Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Friday, December 7, 2007
18th Birthday
For most people, their 18th birthday is one of great importance. Legally, it means that they are old enough to vote, go to war, and are deemed "adults". Most 18 year olds find themselves just graduating from high school at that age and entering college, or getting ready for their next life journey. For my 18th birthday, I was getting ready to begin my first year of college and ecstatic that I would be able to vote in that fall's presidential election. I had made sure to know as much as I could about all of the candidates so that I could not only vote, but make an educated decision as to what party I felt represented my own beliefs. I did vote that fall, very proudly. The candidate that I had voted for did win and I was happy to know that my one vote had made somewhat of a difference.
My parents were at a bit of a loss as to how to celebrate my 18th birthday. Since my birthday fell so close to the time I was leaving for college, they decided to throw me an 18th birthday party and going away party all at the same time. At first, I was a bit disappointed with that, thinking that it would be more of a sad occasion. Once the time actually arrived, it turned out to be a wonderful time.
My mother had come up with the idea of throwing a huge bash at our house. She wanted the two major reasons for celebration to remain separate even though it was one big party. Putting her creative abilities to work, she turned the inside of our house into the going away party. Outside, in our backyard, was where we'd celebrate my 18th birthday. She had a cake made for each occasion and decorations as well. She split the food into the two areas so that people would have to wander back and forth between the two "parties" that were occurring. I absolutely loved it and adored her for having come up with the idea and putting so much effort into making it a wonderful day for me.
It has now been many years since my own 18th birthday, and that unique party still holds the record as being my absolute favorite. My own daughter is still years away from that significant age and I can't imagine what the world will be like when she turns 18. I do know, that I want her 18th birthday to be just as special as mine was. Her birthday also falls right after she'll be graduating, so I may end up doing exactly what my mother had done for me. She'll love it.
My parents were at a bit of a loss as to how to celebrate my 18th birthday. Since my birthday fell so close to the time I was leaving for college, they decided to throw me an 18th birthday party and going away party all at the same time. At first, I was a bit disappointed with that, thinking that it would be more of a sad occasion. Once the time actually arrived, it turned out to be a wonderful time.
My mother had come up with the idea of throwing a huge bash at our house. She wanted the two major reasons for celebration to remain separate even though it was one big party. Putting her creative abilities to work, she turned the inside of our house into the going away party. Outside, in our backyard, was where we'd celebrate my 18th birthday. She had a cake made for each occasion and decorations as well. She split the food into the two areas so that people would have to wander back and forth between the two "parties" that were occurring. I absolutely loved it and adored her for having come up with the idea and putting so much effort into making it a wonderful day for me.
It has now been many years since my own 18th birthday, and that unique party still holds the record as being my absolute favorite. My own daughter is still years away from that significant age and I can't imagine what the world will be like when she turns 18. I do know, that I want her 18th birthday to be just as special as mine was. Her birthday also falls right after she'll be graduating, so I may end up doing exactly what my mother had done for me. She'll love it.
18th Birthday
Why is it that every kid wants to grow up so fast? This is an enigma to me. After all, you only get to be a child once. It commonly lasts for approximately 18 years and then it's "real world" time. Now, just to be clear, 18 years is short. It will fly by quickly. The last thing on your mind should be hurrying it along. Once you have that 18th birthday party, you're doomed to adulthood for the rest of your life. Basically what I'm getting at is, DON'T wish your life away. Trust me on this one. The early years are EASY!
Have you had your 18th birthday celebration yet? A lot of teenagers and parents like to go all out with these ones. It's not only a celebration of making it to adulthood, but it's also a celebration for the folks, because they've been waiting so long to get you out of the house. Okay, that's just a joke. Chances are you may stay with them clear through college as well. It's not like the "old days" anymore, where the 18 year old moves out after their senior year. Kids like to stick around the home-front. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than dealing with rent and food bills during the college years. Anyone who's been there knows exactly what i mean.
It may have just been me, but I found the whole 18th birthday party a bit frightening. Suddenly everyone expects you to act and be grown-up. Well I have to admit, on my 18th birthday I certainly didn't feel like an adult yet. This feeling actually didn't come until I was about 23. Who knows? Maybe I was a late bloomer. Regardless, 18 is what we consider the beginning of adulthood in America. Other countries may view this issue differently, but we like to be clear about it over here. 18 is when you're able to date who you please. 18 is when you're able to vote, and 18 is when you're able to get a hotel room on your own. For the most part, that 18th birthday symbolizes adulthood. But, we parents can hardly believe that our fresh high school graduates are adults yet. Okay, one thing I will tell you is to go all out for your 18th birthday celebration. Think cakes, friends, college applications, no more curfews, and a lot of relaxing. You've made it through the awkward years.
Have you had your 18th birthday celebration yet? A lot of teenagers and parents like to go all out with these ones. It's not only a celebration of making it to adulthood, but it's also a celebration for the folks, because they've been waiting so long to get you out of the house. Okay, that's just a joke. Chances are you may stay with them clear through college as well. It's not like the "old days" anymore, where the 18 year old moves out after their senior year. Kids like to stick around the home-front. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than dealing with rent and food bills during the college years. Anyone who's been there knows exactly what i mean.
It may have just been me, but I found the whole 18th birthday party a bit frightening. Suddenly everyone expects you to act and be grown-up. Well I have to admit, on my 18th birthday I certainly didn't feel like an adult yet. This feeling actually didn't come until I was about 23. Who knows? Maybe I was a late bloomer. Regardless, 18 is what we consider the beginning of adulthood in America. Other countries may view this issue differently, but we like to be clear about it over here. 18 is when you're able to date who you please. 18 is when you're able to vote, and 18 is when you're able to get a hotel room on your own. For the most part, that 18th birthday symbolizes adulthood. But, we parents can hardly believe that our fresh high school graduates are adults yet. Okay, one thing I will tell you is to go all out for your 18th birthday celebration. Think cakes, friends, college applications, no more curfews, and a lot of relaxing. You've made it through the awkward years.
17” Monitors
I’ve been using 17” computer monitors for years now. I think they’re the perfect combination of affordability and functionality. 17” is large enough to provide a large graphical interface, big enough for playing games or movies, but still falling in a reasonable price range. The price between smaller monitors, such as 15” monitors, and 17” monitors is usually not very much, yet I’ve often found that it shoots up a lot going from 17” monitors to 19” or larger ones.
17” monitors are also good for saving space, especially if you are using the older CRT type technology. CRT monitors of any size are pretty darn big, and once you get into the 19” and beyond level you really need a lot of desk space to fit them. Personally, the extra two inches of monitor size in a 19” monitor just isn’t worth the overall lack of room on my desk and the extra hassle in moving it around.
Of course, desk space is less of a problem with LCD monitors. 17” LCD monitors are extremely space effiecient, as well as 19” ones. I’ve noticed that LCD monitor screens tend to look bigger as well. I realize it’s a kind of optical illusion and they aren’t really bigger, but the 17” inches in an LCD seems to go a long way. The 17” inches is measured across the diagonal surface of the monitor, so any 17” monitors has the same screen size as any other, but LCD’s seem to use it more effectively. Since the price on 19” LCDs is still pretty high, and the 17” monitors have become almost in line with their CRT counterparts, I think 17” LCDs are the way to go.
I don’t think I’m the only one that feels this way either. I’ve noticed that 17” monitors seem to be a sort of standard for a lot of businesses. For a long time it was 15”, but I really don’t see as many 15” inch monitors these days. It seems like everyone is using a 17” monitor. Affordable and yet still fairly big, it’s the right combination of luxury and practicality.
If you have the money to spend, and plenty of desk space, you may want to consider an even larger monitor. Of course, if you’re not really using any graphical programs, don’t play computer games, or ever watch movies on your computer, you have to ask yourself; do I really need it? 17” monitors are more than big enough.
17” monitors are also good for saving space, especially if you are using the older CRT type technology. CRT monitors of any size are pretty darn big, and once you get into the 19” and beyond level you really need a lot of desk space to fit them. Personally, the extra two inches of monitor size in a 19” monitor just isn’t worth the overall lack of room on my desk and the extra hassle in moving it around.
Of course, desk space is less of a problem with LCD monitors. 17” LCD monitors are extremely space effiecient, as well as 19” ones. I’ve noticed that LCD monitor screens tend to look bigger as well. I realize it’s a kind of optical illusion and they aren’t really bigger, but the 17” inches in an LCD seems to go a long way. The 17” inches is measured across the diagonal surface of the monitor, so any 17” monitors has the same screen size as any other, but LCD’s seem to use it more effectively. Since the price on 19” LCDs is still pretty high, and the 17” monitors have become almost in line with their CRT counterparts, I think 17” LCDs are the way to go.
I don’t think I’m the only one that feels this way either. I’ve noticed that 17” monitors seem to be a sort of standard for a lot of businesses. For a long time it was 15”, but I really don’t see as many 15” inch monitors these days. It seems like everyone is using a 17” monitor. Affordable and yet still fairly big, it’s the right combination of luxury and practicality.
If you have the money to spend, and plenty of desk space, you may want to consider an even larger monitor. Of course, if you’re not really using any graphical programs, don’t play computer games, or ever watch movies on your computer, you have to ask yourself; do I really need it? 17” monitors are more than big enough.
17 Monitor
My computer only had a 17 monitor, but it was fine for my needs. It displayed text and simple graphics well, and let me serf the internet just fine. It also fit well on my desk, and didn't take up too much room. I remember the days when computer monitors were twelve inches and resolution was only 400 by 600 lines. Forgive me for sounding like an old timer, but sometimes just enough is plenty.
At least that is what i thought until I saw the new computer monitor models. The 19 monitor may only be 2 inches bigger than the 17 monitor, but boy those two inches make a difference. If I have friends over to watch a movie or something like that, its so much nicer. I've been comparison shopping and looking for a while, but I'm not sure. I think the flat screen models are the best. They don't have the glare of the others, and they look good. Besides that, they have a low profile and fit slimly on the desk. The downside is that they are more expensive. And anyway, I'm sort of used to what I have.
My computer itself is pretty old, and I've been thinking of getting an upgrade. Beside the 17 monitor, I don't have a graphics accelerator or a good sound card. The graphics card is so important for gaming. I know that games are a big time suck, but well, I can't resits. But I haven't been able to play doom 3 because my computer won't support it. As for Warcraft 3 or diablo – forget it. Just not going to happen.
The sound card I need for music. Not to listen to it – any sound card will play music. But to record music its good to have an expensive external sound card. You can do multiple track recording straight into the card, balance tracks, apply a lot of nifty affects, and do it all much cleaner. Its just all around more convenient for sure. But its not just a sound card I need. If I'm going to be making music on my computer, I'd like to be able to at least listen to it cleanly, but my little included dell computer speakers, while making clean sound, they've got no body. Completely flat. So, I guess you need everything you'd need for any home stereo. A reciever, a pre-amp, a tuner, and of course, great speakers. But one at a time. For now, I'm going to focus on upgrading my 17 monitor
At least that is what i thought until I saw the new computer monitor models. The 19 monitor may only be 2 inches bigger than the 17 monitor, but boy those two inches make a difference. If I have friends over to watch a movie or something like that, its so much nicer. I've been comparison shopping and looking for a while, but I'm not sure. I think the flat screen models are the best. They don't have the glare of the others, and they look good. Besides that, they have a low profile and fit slimly on the desk. The downside is that they are more expensive. And anyway, I'm sort of used to what I have.
My computer itself is pretty old, and I've been thinking of getting an upgrade. Beside the 17 monitor, I don't have a graphics accelerator or a good sound card. The graphics card is so important for gaming. I know that games are a big time suck, but well, I can't resits. But I haven't been able to play doom 3 because my computer won't support it. As for Warcraft 3 or diablo – forget it. Just not going to happen.
The sound card I need for music. Not to listen to it – any sound card will play music. But to record music its good to have an expensive external sound card. You can do multiple track recording straight into the card, balance tracks, apply a lot of nifty affects, and do it all much cleaner. Its just all around more convenient for sure. But its not just a sound card I need. If I'm going to be making music on my computer, I'd like to be able to at least listen to it cleanly, but my little included dell computer speakers, while making clean sound, they've got no body. Completely flat. So, I guess you need everything you'd need for any home stereo. A reciever, a pre-amp, a tuner, and of course, great speakers. But one at a time. For now, I'm going to focus on upgrading my 17 monitor
15 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
Many people who are looking to buy a home consider whether they need 30 year or 15 year fixed mortgage rates for their monthly payments. Since many of us are buying homes later in life we would like to have the house paid off as soon as possible. Of course, there are many things to consider before signing any papers.
It is important to remember that you want to make sure that the interest rate doesn’t change over the course of the loan. Many lenders offer deals that are too good to be true. This means that they actually are too good to be true. Loans that have 15 year fixed mortgage rates maintain the same amount of interest throughout the life of the loan. This is beneficial for any of us who don’t like surprises.
When my husband and I were looking at homes for sale we decided to look into the various loans available with 15 year fixed mortgage rates. We wanted to pay off the house as soon as possible but we didn’t want to get in over our heads with high monthly payments.
In addition to considering loans with 15 year fixed mortgage rates we also looked into loans that spanned 30 years as well. We didn’t really like the idea of having a mortgage as we were approaching the age of retirement so we were really hoping to get one of the loans with 15 year fixed mortgage rates. There was a lot of pressure to have the house paid off as soon as possible.
However, after taking everything into consideration we chose a 30 year loan instead. There were many things that factored into this. First of all, I discovered that I was having a baby. My contribution to the monthly finances was unreliable since I was going to raise our child at home. Loans that had 15 year fixed mortgage rates required a higher monthly payment. We simply didn’t want to get in over our heads.
A thirty year loan brought the monthly payments down quite a bit. We also make extra payments throughout the year to make the principal shrink quicker. If you make a handful of extra payments throughout a twelve month period you can knock years off of your loan. This takes some discipline but it is well worth it in the long run.
Although we would have preferred the loans with 15 year fixed mortgage rates we had to take our needs and abilities into consideration. As it is things worked out very well.
It is important to remember that you want to make sure that the interest rate doesn’t change over the course of the loan. Many lenders offer deals that are too good to be true. This means that they actually are too good to be true. Loans that have 15 year fixed mortgage rates maintain the same amount of interest throughout the life of the loan. This is beneficial for any of us who don’t like surprises.
When my husband and I were looking at homes for sale we decided to look into the various loans available with 15 year fixed mortgage rates. We wanted to pay off the house as soon as possible but we didn’t want to get in over our heads with high monthly payments.
In addition to considering loans with 15 year fixed mortgage rates we also looked into loans that spanned 30 years as well. We didn’t really like the idea of having a mortgage as we were approaching the age of retirement so we were really hoping to get one of the loans with 15 year fixed mortgage rates. There was a lot of pressure to have the house paid off as soon as possible.
However, after taking everything into consideration we chose a 30 year loan instead. There were many things that factored into this. First of all, I discovered that I was having a baby. My contribution to the monthly finances was unreliable since I was going to raise our child at home. Loans that had 15 year fixed mortgage rates required a higher monthly payment. We simply didn’t want to get in over our heads.
A thirty year loan brought the monthly payments down quite a bit. We also make extra payments throughout the year to make the principal shrink quicker. If you make a handful of extra payments throughout a twelve month period you can knock years off of your loan. This takes some discipline but it is well worth it in the long run.
Although we would have preferred the loans with 15 year fixed mortgage rates we had to take our needs and abilities into consideration. As it is things worked out very well.
12 Volt Battery
Have you ever seen 12 volt batteris? They are absolutely huge. I am serious, a 12 volt battery is about the size of a small toaster oven. Okay, maybe I exagerate a little bit, but even still, who came up with the battery sizes anyway. Doesn't it strike you as a little weird the batteries that have caught on ? I know that it is weird to me. Aside from the giant 12 volt battery, there is, of course, the double a. This is not much bigger than the triple a battery, but for some reason, both of them exist for small electronic devices. There is, interestingly, no “A” battery, or even a “B”, but there is suddenly a C cell and a D. Why is this, and why are they so close in size, but so much bigger then the AA and AAA batteries? And of course, there is that oddball, the 9 volt, sitting all by itself, without even a letter to designate it. And the very next thing that they have? For some odd reason, it is the 12 volt battery. I swear, why have a 12 volt battery, a mammoth, much larger than all of the others, and then have nothing at all all the way down to the D?
And here is another thing that does not make sense. People have had the ability to charge their batteries for decades, and yet no one does it at all? I have a 12 volt battery charger, as well as chargers for all of my other batteries, but I feel like I am the only one. And why? It was not all of that big an investment to get a 12 volt battery, a 9 volt battery charger, and chargers for everything else, and yet no one does it. It saves money and the environment, but it seems like almost no one really cares about either of these things. I swear, people are simply irrational with the choices that they make some times. I hesitate to say that, but that is really the only thing to say about it. If you have a 12 volt battery flashlight, do you really want to have to buy a whole new battery every time that you use it up? It does not make any sense, and that is that, as far as I am concerned. But there is no telling with people.
And here is another thing that does not make sense. People have had the ability to charge their batteries for decades, and yet no one does it at all? I have a 12 volt battery charger, as well as chargers for all of my other batteries, but I feel like I am the only one. And why? It was not all of that big an investment to get a 12 volt battery, a 9 volt battery charger, and chargers for everything else, and yet no one does it. It saves money and the environment, but it seems like almost no one really cares about either of these things. I swear, people are simply irrational with the choices that they make some times. I hesitate to say that, but that is really the only thing to say about it. If you have a 12 volt battery flashlight, do you really want to have to buy a whole new battery every time that you use it up? It does not make any sense, and that is that, as far as I am concerned. But there is no telling with people.
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