I see you November, hanging out just past Halloween. I'm getting all of the NaNoWriMo emails. I'm seeing Christmas decorations in the stores. I cannot believe we are here right now.
It has been a busy fall. Empty nesting is not quiet. All of the invitations that we pushed to the fall, when we expected to have free time, meant that we had no free time as the weeks rolled. And as the holidays start to kick in I realize I still have books to read, and projects to knit, and rooms to clean out.
On a bright note, my aunt's book is in the final proof stage, I've emptied a room completely in my house and will be re-purposing it to empty many other boxes around my house, I "think" I have a plan for several other projects and I just welcomed a new client to my freelance business.
What do you still have left to do this year?
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Cheap computer
So, I bought myself a cheap laptop. It's a Packard Bell N1400BK and I got it from JCPenney. They sell them. Really.
Anyway, it is perfect for what I need, which is to connect to the internet and run Microsoft Office so that I can freelance from anywhere. I don't need games or storage on this device, I just need to be able to travel without carrying the monster machine I "got" as a hand-me-down from the kids.
Last night I had to do a Windows update. Took hours. One of the drawbacks to this simple computer is a lack of storage on it. This has a whopping 2GB DDR3L-RS DRAM 1600MHz system memory. I had to scrub files just to complete the update.
So, today I am learning how to modify my device. Found a few helpful bits of code. Sharing for my own use in the future and if it helps you too.
Decrease the hibernation file:
Open Command line as an admin
Type powercfg/ H / SIZE 40 (changes the size to 40% which I understand is the minimum for allowing hibernation to work. I don't really use that, so went low)
Remove useless apps.
Open Windows Powershell, right click to run as admin
Type Get-AppxPackage *program* | Remove-AppxPackage
I was able to remove xbox and zunemusic. Debating others to remove. Hat tip to Tech Advisor for this info.
Anyway, it is perfect for what I need, which is to connect to the internet and run Microsoft Office so that I can freelance from anywhere. I don't need games or storage on this device, I just need to be able to travel without carrying the monster machine I "got" as a hand-me-down from the kids.
Last night I had to do a Windows update. Took hours. One of the drawbacks to this simple computer is a lack of storage on it. This has a whopping 2GB DDR3L-RS DRAM 1600MHz system memory. I had to scrub files just to complete the update.
So, today I am learning how to modify my device. Found a few helpful bits of code. Sharing for my own use in the future and if it helps you too.
Decrease the hibernation file:
Open Command line as an admin
Type powercfg/ H / SIZE 40 (changes the size to 40% which I understand is the minimum for allowing hibernation to work. I don't really use that, so went low)
Remove useless apps.
Open Windows Powershell, right click to run as admin
Type Get-AppxPackage *program* | Remove-AppxPackage
I was able to remove xbox and zunemusic. Debating others to remove. Hat tip to Tech Advisor for this info.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Evolution
Recently I think I started a transition and now that I'm in the thick of things, I'm not quite sure when it started. When people talk about time flying, it usually means that milestones stack up with very few unique markers breaking them up. If you have children your signposts are probably the start of school, the winter holidays, spring break, and the last day of school. Then a short summer and do it again. Rinse, repeat.
Now that my kids are grown, I'm finding different markers in my life. Some of these are sad (co-workers get new jobs, friends move away, death comes too soon) but many offer the potential for happiness. I am overwhelmed with the possibilities and find myself trying to decide where I go next. My client shifting has opened up a ton of free time for me. My kids moving out means I have lots of extra space to spread out for new projects. My bookshelf is full. It's almost too much freedom after being so structured for so long.
While I hem and haw about the next "big thing" I've decided to help my aunt get her book published, to help my Dad sort through his house and to clear out the project pile in my workroom. Each one of those activities will teach me a new skill that might open up more freelancing and will help me come to peace with my middle age. My mom's passing showed me how a lack of planning impacts the next generation, I'm not doing that to my kids if I can help it.
Now that my kids are grown, I'm finding different markers in my life. Some of these are sad (co-workers get new jobs, friends move away, death comes too soon) but many offer the potential for happiness. I am overwhelmed with the possibilities and find myself trying to decide where I go next. My client shifting has opened up a ton of free time for me. My kids moving out means I have lots of extra space to spread out for new projects. My bookshelf is full. It's almost too much freedom after being so structured for so long.
While I hem and haw about the next "big thing" I've decided to help my aunt get her book published, to help my Dad sort through his house and to clear out the project pile in my workroom. Each one of those activities will teach me a new skill that might open up more freelancing and will help me come to peace with my middle age. My mom's passing showed me how a lack of planning impacts the next generation, I'm not doing that to my kids if I can help it.
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