Today started out with a bit of a bang- the bang of the death of my laptop computer. This is not the first death of a PC that I have had and I am sure not the last, still it is a death. I am a stress er' given the chance and I jumped in neck deep today first thing. Like all of us I have a routine. Mine is simple. When I awake the first thing I do is turn my laptop on. I walk away and do my morning routine, grab some coffee and head for my desk. I start by scanning several newspapers and websites. I read the highlights of several newspapers, taking notes on the way so I can surf a bit more to return and read articles later that morning. Again...not today!
We had a lightning storm last night and I think that was the issue. I had chest pains when my last PC died and what I can only describe is my first (and only ever) panic attack when my last one died. This was not as bad as I learned from the last one that my anxiety and stress did nothing to fix the situation. I paced around the house for a bit with anger. I continued to monkey with it- by chance that it would revive and come back to life. Little luck there. I found myself taking out loud to only dogs in the room who followed me when I walked as my talking they took as chatting to them.
I went as far as firing up an older laptop of about three years. It crashed (some what) a while ago. I could not bare to toss it as I had done some great work on it and it was like a dear friend. I turned it on and to my surprise after at least two years, it came to life. It still sat on my desk since it crashed neatly closed and I dusted it every so often. What I discovered was a true blessing.
I spent several hours reading old emails and looking at an array of photos from at least three years ago. It was a trip down memory lane and I loved it. I also took some time to go into files that I had not looked at in a very long time.
At about 3 P.M. I could take it no more. I jumped in the car and headed for Best Buy. I was an easy sale for them and got what I wanted and even treated myself to a bit of flare to go with my new laptop. I have enjoyed the extra speaker system that I purchased already. My laptop is now stereo central- we've got tunes baby and serious sound going on here. Most laptops have horrible sound quality to them, not anymore.
I discovered many things in the old laptop that I had forgotten. Little did I know that I still had a sizable amount of cash in my old itunes account ( I also have on the one that died today ) . I also have a ton of tunes on itunes that I never put on my ipod ( also the same for the dead one today I am sure ). It helped to find a few positives today's instead of the all the negatives of today. I lost some work and most of my email addresses. My favorites list - gone and several movies that I purchased ( I found some of those on the old PC too ). It let me know that it is so easy to have unfinished issues that still need resolution that are just hanging above our heads much of the time. I am determined to somehow get the old itunes, movies and the cash account that I have on both other laptops onto this new laptop.
I went to the safe today and reassured myself that I did backup the seventeen chapters of my novel that were on the computer that died. I lost a bit but have the base still intact. I have no one to blame but myself that I lost things.
As to the new laptop. It looks beautiful and has all the bells and whistles on it. Still it is not what I had and I hate change and fight it every step of the way. This I know will be no different. I also know this. In a bit of time this to will become a new friend and I will mourn the day that it to dies. I also know that I will replace this at some point and feel the same way.
I try so hard to find a positive within a negative, learn from it and apply it to my daily life. Today was no different. I lost a friend and met a new one. My past work was done on 2 former laptops and my future work is on this one.
I need to close this and move to the night groove for Mike. He had a great day also. He loves to shop at Best Buy. He got a few things also. He was pleased and I took him out to dinner.
Jim has been working out of town. I was the best wife ever when he called this evening to check in. He asked how our day was and I said it was great. I spared him the drama of my day let alone the amount of my purchase on my new friend. I believe that a few things left between friends is more then acceptable.
Enjoy the evening-
Julie
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Where has summer gone?
I can not believe that it is the middle of August and summer is almost gone already. My only guess is that I have been so busy that I lost a season here.
The new book is out and is doing FAB- I have been busy doing PR for the new book "Autism is a Four Letter Word: LOVE". Between book signings,interviews, conferences and scheduling for this fall --radio & TV talk shows life has been busy. Keep in mind that Mike is home for the summer and we have no help. Jim and I work opposite schedules so one of us is home with him at all times. Summers are stressful for all of us in our home...Mike included.
I had a fantastic time at the Project Lifesaver International Conference in Indianapolis, IN in July. They laid out the red carpet for several of we speakers. What I can say is this- what a top notch group of dedicated people. The Project Lifesaver International group leaves a lasting impression on all who are fortunate to meet them and learn from them. To the many members of Law Enforcement that I had the distinct pleasure to socialize with-- my hats off to all of you!! Many doors of opportunity are opened while chatting in a small group. I meet some very "grand" women and men who save lives everyday. To the helicopter pilots to the instructors to the men who organize the equipment to those that develop special relationships with those that are vulnerable, those that put on that uniform every day and search for our loved ones- thank you for your time, talents, dedication and patience. I find that thank you seems so small with the large scope of what they do everyday. I also am reminded over and over again from them is this.......they ask for nothing in return...a heartfelt thank you means just that- it touches their heart that we are grateful and love them for what they do. With that said-
** THANK YOU**
To the kind man who followed me outside and shared a special story and gave me 2 law enforcement pins from his county- 1 for Mike and 1 for me. Thank you- I enjoyed your story and Mike loves the pin.
To Bob from Florida, you have your hands full, and in the brief time we spent talking, you are the man for the job. I would love to come to Florida and see your team in action. Let's set that up.
To the many, many people who stopped to talk, have a book signed or a photo taken. It was my honor, not yours. My web man will be adding some of the photos. My assistant only took a few for me and I know many were taken with people. Feel free to email them, I would love to add them to the website.
My website is having another overhaul this fall. I am contacted so often by parents of special needs children about the tracking devices. What states and counties have them, who to talk to... I plan to have a page on my website with as much information that I have and can obtain for them. We will be breaking it down state by state and then the counties. We will add connecting websites, contact names and info. I have so much and got even more in Indianapolis from law enforcement agencies that wish to be added when complete. Please feel free to send me yours also to add. It will take some time to get it all together but we plan to devote much time this fall linking everything up..contact me or my assistant Susan via my website if needed.
I wish to say a quick "shout out" to Davey Hamilton from Indianapolis, IN. Davey is a INDY 500 racer that I had the chance to meet and chat with. Please get that book to your people from HP (his sponsor). I think about our chat everyday and am waiting for the phone to ring and open a door to new and exciting things for the autistic community.
Mike has had a great summer but is ready for school to begin again. He misses his friends and special teachers after this long break. Ryan our 20 year old has moved to Duluth, MN and will start college in a week and a half. He is living with several other young men in a big house off campus. We look forward to making many trips to see him this year.
Time continues to fly by and with that said, I must close this. It is a rare Sunday that we are not running or hosting guests. We live on the water and during the summer most weekends include house guest. We love to have them but it was a perfect time for a weekend alone. Dinner guest shall arrive in a few hours and I have much to do.
I thank you all who keep us close to your heart and continue to share your stories with me.
All my best to you until we chat again. Sooner then later, I am getting this blog thing down now and Mike shall go back to school and I will have a bit more time to give it the attention that it deserves.
Julie
The new book is out and is doing FAB- I have been busy doing PR for the new book "Autism is a Four Letter Word: LOVE". Between book signings,interviews, conferences and scheduling for this fall --radio & TV talk shows life has been busy. Keep in mind that Mike is home for the summer and we have no help. Jim and I work opposite schedules so one of us is home with him at all times. Summers are stressful for all of us in our home...Mike included.
I had a fantastic time at the Project Lifesaver International Conference in Indianapolis, IN in July. They laid out the red carpet for several of we speakers. What I can say is this- what a top notch group of dedicated people. The Project Lifesaver International group leaves a lasting impression on all who are fortunate to meet them and learn from them. To the many members of Law Enforcement that I had the distinct pleasure to socialize with-- my hats off to all of you!! Many doors of opportunity are opened while chatting in a small group. I meet some very "grand" women and men who save lives everyday. To the helicopter pilots to the instructors to the men who organize the equipment to those that develop special relationships with those that are vulnerable, those that put on that uniform every day and search for our loved ones- thank you for your time, talents, dedication and patience. I find that thank you seems so small with the large scope of what they do everyday. I also am reminded over and over again from them is this.......they ask for nothing in return...a heartfelt thank you means just that- it touches their heart that we are grateful and love them for what they do. With that said-
** THANK YOU**
To the kind man who followed me outside and shared a special story and gave me 2 law enforcement pins from his county- 1 for Mike and 1 for me. Thank you- I enjoyed your story and Mike loves the pin.
To Bob from Florida, you have your hands full, and in the brief time we spent talking, you are the man for the job. I would love to come to Florida and see your team in action. Let's set that up.
To the many, many people who stopped to talk, have a book signed or a photo taken. It was my honor, not yours. My web man will be adding some of the photos. My assistant only took a few for me and I know many were taken with people. Feel free to email them, I would love to add them to the website.
My website is having another overhaul this fall. I am contacted so often by parents of special needs children about the tracking devices. What states and counties have them, who to talk to... I plan to have a page on my website with as much information that I have and can obtain for them. We will be breaking it down state by state and then the counties. We will add connecting websites, contact names and info. I have so much and got even more in Indianapolis from law enforcement agencies that wish to be added when complete. Please feel free to send me yours also to add. It will take some time to get it all together but we plan to devote much time this fall linking everything up..contact me or my assistant Susan via my website if needed.
I wish to say a quick "shout out" to Davey Hamilton from Indianapolis, IN. Davey is a INDY 500 racer that I had the chance to meet and chat with. Please get that book to your people from HP (his sponsor). I think about our chat everyday and am waiting for the phone to ring and open a door to new and exciting things for the autistic community.
Mike has had a great summer but is ready for school to begin again. He misses his friends and special teachers after this long break. Ryan our 20 year old has moved to Duluth, MN and will start college in a week and a half. He is living with several other young men in a big house off campus. We look forward to making many trips to see him this year.
Time continues to fly by and with that said, I must close this. It is a rare Sunday that we are not running or hosting guests. We live on the water and during the summer most weekends include house guest. We love to have them but it was a perfect time for a weekend alone. Dinner guest shall arrive in a few hours and I have much to do.
I thank you all who keep us close to your heart and continue to share your stories with me.
All my best to you until we chat again. Sooner then later, I am getting this blog thing down now and Mike shall go back to school and I will have a bit more time to give it the attention that it deserves.
Julie
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Let's Talk Books!!
In a bit of a rush today but I feel the need to pass on some information.
PLEASE READ BELOW INFORMAION-
The majority of books are purchased online these days. I am an avid reader and consumer when it comes to books. My favorite thing to do is go online to major book vendors and look and buy books.
I have no problem sharing with you the best way to obtain a copy of your favorite book or new book yet read.
First, if you know who the publisher was- check there first. Many sell books directly and at huge savings to you the consumer. No middle man and no addition shipping via vendors.
Second, if you can not get a book from the publisher then go to a direct vendor. When I say that I mean such as - Barnes & Noble, Borders Books and my favorite Amazon.com. You will pay what I refer to is a fair price. Ordering online is cheaper then in a store.
Third, look and see what incentives the above are offering. As a club member you can get huge savings if you buy a lot of books either at that same time or with in let's say a years time.
I bring this subject up because once again I was notified that my books are being sold at ludicrous amounts of money via the Internet. This is a common practice with many book suppliers. This happens to most all books that are new to the market.
Let me tell you this, your are putting no extra money in my pocket or my publisher by buying my book at a highly inflated price. Unfortunately, the consumer is the the one who pays the price.
I also offer this advise, I know that some of my first book The Color Red are on eBay and apparently signed by me for bid. I can not tell you if they are authentic or not. I have signed so many books- who knows.....? I try if time allows to sign a book with some flair and with a person's name added to it. If you want a book signed, come to a signing- I am happy to do so or at an event I am at.
If you want my book do yourself a favor and go to my website- go to my publisher and order a book(s). If not there then Amazon or Barnes & Noble online or in stores.
I was sent a note from a friend who found my book(s) for over $70.00 for one of them and it was a paperback, not even a hard cover copy. That is insane and I hate the thought of a parent, teacher or family member with an autistic or special needs child not ordering that book that they may very need the information contained in it because the cost is so high.
I also know that several Universities courses in the field of teaching, education, and special education or Masters programs now require my book to read as part of the curriculum. I hate the thought of a college student who already is pumping out outrageous amounts of money for books for their classes possibly without knowing better spending these outrageous amounts of dollars for my book or for that matter other books. Yes, that was officially a run on sentence. I am irritated by this and in a rush.
Buy from reputable book stores and online is great. I have never had a problem with my book ordering online at B&N and Amazon. I have always been pleased.
I feel fine with the set price for my books at both my publisher and reputable book stores. At best you will save money buying online with my top picks for store what ever the book it is you are ordering.
Consider this post a consumer post. Don't pay $70.00 for one of my books or $121.00 for a hardcover copy- I am good but not that good honey!
PLEASE READ BELOW INFORMAION-
The majority of books are purchased online these days. I am an avid reader and consumer when it comes to books. My favorite thing to do is go online to major book vendors and look and buy books.
I have no problem sharing with you the best way to obtain a copy of your favorite book or new book yet read.
First, if you know who the publisher was- check there first. Many sell books directly and at huge savings to you the consumer. No middle man and no addition shipping via vendors.
Second, if you can not get a book from the publisher then go to a direct vendor. When I say that I mean such as - Barnes & Noble, Borders Books and my favorite Amazon.com. You will pay what I refer to is a fair price. Ordering online is cheaper then in a store.
Third, look and see what incentives the above are offering. As a club member you can get huge savings if you buy a lot of books either at that same time or with in let's say a years time.
I bring this subject up because once again I was notified that my books are being sold at ludicrous amounts of money via the Internet. This is a common practice with many book suppliers. This happens to most all books that are new to the market.
Let me tell you this, your are putting no extra money in my pocket or my publisher by buying my book at a highly inflated price. Unfortunately, the consumer is the the one who pays the price.
I also offer this advise, I know that some of my first book The Color Red are on eBay and apparently signed by me for bid. I can not tell you if they are authentic or not. I have signed so many books- who knows.....? I try if time allows to sign a book with some flair and with a person's name added to it. If you want a book signed, come to a signing- I am happy to do so or at an event I am at.
If you want my book do yourself a favor and go to my website- go to my publisher and order a book(s). If not there then Amazon or Barnes & Noble online or in stores.
I was sent a note from a friend who found my book(s) for over $70.00 for one of them and it was a paperback, not even a hard cover copy. That is insane and I hate the thought of a parent, teacher or family member with an autistic or special needs child not ordering that book that they may very need the information contained in it because the cost is so high.
I also know that several Universities courses in the field of teaching, education, and special education or Masters programs now require my book to read as part of the curriculum. I hate the thought of a college student who already is pumping out outrageous amounts of money for books for their classes possibly without knowing better spending these outrageous amounts of dollars for my book or for that matter other books. Yes, that was officially a run on sentence. I am irritated by this and in a rush.
Buy from reputable book stores and online is great. I have never had a problem with my book ordering online at B&N and Amazon. I have always been pleased.
I feel fine with the set price for my books at both my publisher and reputable book stores. At best you will save money buying online with my top picks for store what ever the book it is you are ordering.
Consider this post a consumer post. Don't pay $70.00 for one of my books or $121.00 for a hardcover copy- I am good but not that good honey!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Book party info to come soon- next week. Join me on Twitter or Facebook. Was sent a great link on Facebook from a high school classmate that is geared for Autistics- check it out- It is GREAT!
http://sketchup.google.com/spectrum.html
It is a Saturday here and Mike is a busy guy- have to run.
Check back soon for updates.
Julie
http://sketchup.google.com/spectrum.html
It is a Saturday here and Mike is a busy guy- have to run.
Check back soon for updates.
Julie
Friday, April 17, 2009
New Book " Autism is a Four Letter Word-Love" is out
I am so excited that my new book is out and available. It is always exciting to see your work develop to a finished piece.
I am receiving many emails with questions on my book PR and when & where I will be.
My answer is I am unsure at this time.
I had to make a few changes to the planned PR schedule for the moment. Michael does not do well when I am not at home. He does OK with dad when I am away for a short time. Jim however has had his own set of circumstances recently. As we are in Minnesota with the work that Jim does he has been called away at a moments notice to head to North Dakota to help build the levees for the ever flooding ND. Just when I have something on the schedule he gets the call and within less then a half an hour he is gone. At times for a week or longer or a few days. When he leaves we have no answers when he is coming home.
With that said, I am taking a step back and giving the flooding situation time to settle and then I will let my PR people get things back on schedule. I know the timing is terrible but what can one do?
Yes, I will be doing radio talk shows, press and TV. I will have a launch party I believe in late May and then start doing book signings. Life should settle a bit by then so it can be enjoyed.
My website has had a facelift so feel free to snop around a bit and catch up on things. The book is available via my publisher online and at most major book stores online and in stores. It take a bit of time for them to get then and out on shelves. Furthermore, most books are now ordered via the net.
You can catch the links on my website to order- www.jjshimek.com
Have to run, Mike soon home from school-
All my best- Julie
I am receiving many emails with questions on my book PR and when & where I will be.
My answer is I am unsure at this time.
I had to make a few changes to the planned PR schedule for the moment. Michael does not do well when I am not at home. He does OK with dad when I am away for a short time. Jim however has had his own set of circumstances recently. As we are in Minnesota with the work that Jim does he has been called away at a moments notice to head to North Dakota to help build the levees for the ever flooding ND. Just when I have something on the schedule he gets the call and within less then a half an hour he is gone. At times for a week or longer or a few days. When he leaves we have no answers when he is coming home.
With that said, I am taking a step back and giving the flooding situation time to settle and then I will let my PR people get things back on schedule. I know the timing is terrible but what can one do?
Yes, I will be doing radio talk shows, press and TV. I will have a launch party I believe in late May and then start doing book signings. Life should settle a bit by then so it can be enjoyed.
My website has had a facelift so feel free to snop around a bit and catch up on things. The book is available via my publisher online and at most major book stores online and in stores. It take a bit of time for them to get then and out on shelves. Furthermore, most books are now ordered via the net.
You can catch the links on my website to order- www.jjshimek.com
Have to run, Mike soon home from school-
All my best- Julie
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