Well, I'm still working on my new site, Sandylp.com. I have posted a few entries, but have yet to post my photo gallery, crochet pictures, or photoshop projects. I've been really busy with work and my new Photoshop class, but I'm enjoying getting the new site together and learning the ins and outs of Wordpress. I hope to add to it's overall design in time, but I kind of like the current design as it is for now. So, friends and family can either reach me here or at my new place.

I am starting my second Photoshop class this week (online). The text book is Photoshop CS4 The Missing Manual by Lesa Snyder King. I'm so glad it's the required text book, because I've been wanting to purchase it anyway. I took Photoshop 1 in the Spring, but feel that I've already forgotten so much of what I learned. If you don't use it, you lose it, you know! Anyway, I'm anxious to get started.

I've not written much lately because I've been busy trying out WordPress. While I've used Movable Type for years, I thought it was about time that I look at something new. I'm so tired of the MT upgrades. It seems that everytime you turn around, there's another upgrade, which is a pain. Anyway, I'm still going to keep this site because I'm not tired of the design, even though it's been up for ages. I just can't discard it, but I want to try something new.

I just had my site upgraded to the new version of Movable Type by Pro-It-Service. I usually do it myself, but this version looked too complicated and I just didn't have the time to study it. Anyway, I'm pleased with the results, but I don't know if I'll ever be comfortable with the new blog management format. It's such a radical change from the old versions. One of these days I hope to redesign the site, if I ever find the time.

This morning I watched Fat Head. In case you've never heard of it, the movie is a documentary told with humor about diet and nutrition and the misconception that most people have that they must eat a diet consisting mostly of carbohydrates. While, we all know some people who can eat many carbs without gaining weight, there are many more who gain weight if too many carbs are eaten.

I've been wanting a laptop computer for awhile now, and I just bought a MacBook Pro. I'm going to use it in conjunction with my desktop, which will hold the bulk of my files. I wanted a computer that I could use when away from home, or even in bed. It's beautifully designed, as is all of Apple's products.

I just finished The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Iles, who is one of my favorite authors. I think I've read all of his books. I listened to the audio unabridged version and it was almost 24 hours long. The story takes place in Natchez, Mississippi, and it's all about murder, violence, and a battle with two psychopaths who are profoundly evil and immoral. I read a review by Patrick Anderson of the Washington Post and he wrote, "It's hard to think many women could read it with pleasure; and, even for us insensitive males, a strong stomach is useful." Nevertheless, I found it exciting!

Yesterday, my daughter, grandson, and I went to see the latest Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. We thought it was the best of all the movies, although we have enjoyed them all. All three of us have read the books at least two times, so we are big fans. Now, I can't wait for the next movie to come out. If you have an opinion about the movie, I'd love to hear from you.

I found a remarkable wallpaper site today called Vladstudio. Vladstudio is the project of Russian digital artist, Vlad Gerasimov. He has such an assortment of the most unique desktop wallpapers that I've ever seen. There's every size imaginable and even wallpapers for cell phones. I particularly like the wallpaper clocks. These include his lovely wallpaper with a digital clock on it with the time, day and month. Each clock is unique. You can become a registered member (for a very modest fee) for the highest quality images and more sizes, or there are plenty of free images to download.

I decided to check out Facebook today for the first time. I had heard about it, but had never used it. I was already able to contact a classmate from high school and found a few other friends, too. In case you're not familiar with it, Facebook is a social networking site that connects people with friends and others who may live or work in the same area. It looks like fun.

This is my first bookmark using Royale Classic size 10 thread and a 1.65 crochet hook. I found that working with such a tiny hook and thread to be quite a challenge, but I hope to make more bookmarks as gifts. The pattern is from Crochetroo.

I got a new iPod to replace my 60 GB iPod that I've had for about 3 years. I use it so much (3 to 4 days a week at 7 hrs a day) and I didn't know how much longer the battery was going to last. ( Plus, it had started to exhibit some strange behaviors.) The new one is thinner and lighter and holds twice as much (120 GB). I was also surprised to see that the front isn't plastic, but is a brushed aluminum and the back is stainless steel. This is the Classic model and comes in either silver or black aluminum. I chose the black this time, as I've always had white before.

I just installed a new Western Digital Caviar Blue 500 GB Hard Drive into my Mac Pro. This is the third 500 GB drive in my computer, and I'll use it for back-ups. I had a 250GB drive for backups, but it was nearing capacity. I can't believe the prices of hard drives now. This one was only $60 on Amazon. It only took me less than 10 minutes to install, as Macs are built for dummies and are so easy to work with.

I just finished this afghan for my son. I think it will match his living room furniture. Anyway, the pattern is exactly like my Granddaughter's pink blanket. It's made with the 5 dc shell stitch, which I found in the Crochet Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden. It's very easy, but looks good (I think) with the variegated yarn from Patons. This color is Woodbine Ombre.

I saw the movie, UP, yesterday. I think you can always count on Pixar to deliver a good film, and this is no exception. It's a children's film with side jokes for adults. (Or maybe it's an adult film that children will also like.) The main character is a little old man named Carl who is voiced by Ed Asner. Rather than face the remainder of his life in a "retirement home", he decides to have the adventure that he and his wife always dreamed of. The movie is sentimental as well as funny, and you'll find yourself crying and laughing. Be sure to take some tissues with you when you go.