Saturday, March 15, 2025
One of the things I have tried to work on, my appearance in photos, virtual meetings, and videos. Photos are an issue, however not as much as the videos and virtual meetings.
One of the major issues, no matter good, bad, or ugly I have to be able to identify as me. I am concerned with mistaken identity as it relates to legal issues. This the reason I have not attempted to doctor or repaint my photos and videos with some of the new software editing technology.
One of the ways I try to filter my appearance is by using a low resolution video camera for videos and virtual meetings. I discuss my Zoom setup in this post.
Most of my photos are taken with my Canon EOS M50 and I am still trying to figure out how to downplay my big head in the full body shots.
The two photos shown below were taken Thursday evening (March 13, 2025) using my Canon EOS
M50, the first- as I was about to
set my hair. I had a good night's rest
the previous night and tried on my new sandals with different outfits for most
of the day (see last post). I did not have the haggard look I have noticed more often than I
want since mid
January 2025. The second photo, after I finished setting my hair.
This past week, I scheduled a virtual meeting with a business resource and
I was concerned I would have to use my Android Moto phone for the meeting. On
March 7, 2025 (see time stamps in the illustrations below), I ran some tests.
I was not happy, however was very tired and it showed.
I was rather surprised by how much the video editing software on the Android phone could change my appearance. I have never used Botox nor had any type of facial surgery. When I can afford to look better than I do, I am going to invest in good video editing software.
Saturday, March 08, 2025
This week, I did not leave the house. I did accomplish somethings I wanted to get out of the way, however, not everything turned out as planned.
- Business and personal taxes filed
- Refreshed my hair color
- Setup a business meeting (next week) for a new resource
- Researched ongoing issues with retiring API resources
As I lose more weight, I continue to investigate new ways to wear my old clothes. Below an old dress (late 80s) that I tried on with an old suit jacket and newer light weight sweaters.
Also shown a pair of Nine West slingbacks in a style I love. See this link for more information.
Thinking about having some of the length cut off my hair, however experience suggests, I am not going to be happy. What is the problem? I have to wear headbands to keep my hair in place as I prefer a more layered style. I would like to discontinue this practice.
Saturday, March 01, 2025
Today, while searching through my old large jewelry case (a gift from my father when I was in college), I found my old silver mood ring. The ring was a gift from my parents when we first arrived in Maryland.
I will explain more about the ring, however first let me explain why I was looking through my old jewelry case in the first place.
I wanted a pair of old fashioned flat black button earrings to pair with the outfit shown in one of the following photos.
The photos below show my ring. I forgot I had it. My sister and I got the same ring as Christmas presents, I think the first year we moved to Maryland. It was very popular at the time.
Surprised it fits? Yes, I would have been about eleven when I received the ring as a gift. I think that is why I did not wear it often, I thought it was too big.
Today, when I first took it out of the draw, the stone appeared dark gray and I did not think it would work. I am not sure when it changed to the aqua blue after I put it on, however when I noticed the change, I was happy it still worked.
Monday, February 03, 2025
January 2025 was one of the coldest January's I ever remember. There was snow on the ground almost every day of the month, and only because it was that cold and not because it snowed on a regular basis.
I was warm and happy I did not have to leave the house, however, for some reason did not get as much done as I wanted.
I had a surprise expense associated with my real estate activities. I am a referral agent and up until this year only had to worry about license renewal fees and the fees for courses I needed to stay up to date with new or updated Maryland real estate laws.
Now I have an annual referral agent fee. It is under a $100 and allows me to keep my real estate license active, so I will pay the new annual fee. I studied for that license and I want to keep it.
In January, I also ordered a new sweater. Most of the items I order these days are related to research insofar as products I want to offer through my shop. I love the new sweater and think it will pair nicely with pencil skirts or high waisted baggy dress pants.
Since Christmas, I feel I have been looking older and more tired. I think
part of the problem is related to my diet. I maybe trying to lose weight to
quickly. Below photos I took yesterday, February 2, 2025.
How is my diet going? I am not losing a lot now, however I am also not gaining it back. When I was younger I used to fast so I know my appearance can sometimes appear too gaunt because of quick weight loss. My older age is not helping. I do not use botox, nor have I had any type of cosmetic surgery.
Another concern of late? Ensuring I have all of the tax information I need to complete the tax returns I am responsible for. Not sure why this year I ran into problems.
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
A Certificate of Deposit (CD) I opened in August 2023 for a term of 16 months at 5.25% APY is maturing this month. When I opened the account, I only had $5500 on hand, however, felt the rate was so good I could not pass on the opportunity.
I normally use a 60 month term when I set up my CDs (I handle some financial
matters for others), however, at the time- wanted the 5.25% APY being offered
for the 16 month term. I currently have 4 other CDs, opened with a term of 60
months.
In preparation for the renewal of the maturing CD, on December 5, 2024 I transferred $3300 from
my personal checking account to the money market account I maintain with the
financial institution where I maintain my CDs.
The transfer to my money market account was due to complete, today,
December 10, 2024.
This morning after ensuring the transferred funds had posted
to the money market account, I set up the new terms for the renewal of the
maturing CD.
I have several banks and savings accounts. I currently have a little over a hundred grand in some type of savings account earning between $276-$286 a month. Most of the accounts that are not CDs are high yield savings accounts. This does not include my business & personal checking and savings accounts.
Based on my research, stock investors with the same amount ($100,000) invested in their portfolios, these days, are not earning the same returns. Theirs are less. I have been researching these numbers for the last 2 years or so and have found these numbers to be consistent.
I get a lot of communications suggesting I should invest the money in other ways. I research a lot. My numbers today show I am doing okay, in fact better than others who are investing the same amount in other ways. I will continue to track this, however, at this time see no reason to invest the money in my savings accounts in riskier areas.
I always liked a sure thing. Even when I had corporate matching funds at my disposal.
My other assets? I normally post the financial data related to only my savings accounts.
Sunday, October 06, 2024
I started my weekend on Friday, with the Real Estate Coffee House Zoom meeting. Yes, I am still a Maryland licensed real estate salesperson, see resume.
Maryland laws which affect areas associated with real estate recently went into effect and I wanted to sit in and listen to some of the local experts.
After the meeting, since I did my hair and makeup, I started to try on things I recently pulled from the back of my closets. Though the charcoal sweater with the detachable fur collar is something I wear normally in the Fall and Winter months, I never wear the collar.
I purchased the sweater because of the collar, however for whatever reason
I could never find a look I liked using the collar. So Friday, I looked into
one or two things I could do to use the collar with the sweater.
Today, I pulled out more of the pencil skirts I purchased as separate pieces for the corporate workplace. Some of those skirts (black & charcoal gray wool skirts) are shown above.
Other pencil skirts I purchased like the leather and lined linen skirts shown below, were worn on weekends or on other outings. The style worked with my body type and I always liked a more conservative look for most outings. I played with color a bit more, outside of the workplace. Most of the skirts are size 6 and lined.
I am still going through my closets to see what I can wear again- because of weight loss.
Other things I took care of this weekend included updating the renewal
terms for a CD that will mature later this month, some work in the
garden, and I added to the clothes donation pile.
Some of the movies, videos, and sports events I watched over the weekend.
- Silent Witness w/Dermot Mulroney
- Hypnotic w/Ben Affleck
- Madeline Argy recent vlog
- Baltimore Ravens win over the Cincinnati Bengals
My days are pretty active, and because of this I have been able to lose more weight than normal over the last year. The activities discussed in this post are in addition to my normal routine.
Sunday, September 15, 2024
I had a nice weekend, mainly because things I wanted to accomplish, were realities by the end of the day on Saturday.
After the Tuesday, September 10, 2024 appointment to have the new dishwasher installed failed, I was worried the Saturday appointment would have the same result. Happy to report the old dishwasher was replaced with the new one by 1:00 pm on Saturday.
I was so pleased with this turn of events that I decided to update my hair color later Saturday evening.
This too, went off without a hitch, so all in all- I feel I had a great weekend. I combed out my hair and put makeup on around noon today, while I tested for the first time the dishwasher (yes the guys tested it before they left, however it was not a full cycle). Also liked the way some of the new items worked with my hair update. Below photos of the before and after of the hair update.
Why so happy these things (dishwasher install/hair color) worked? Lately, I have been feeling, if something could go wrong- it would.
I am very happy with recent additions to my wardrobe, but mostly, lately things have been a challenge. The reason? The number of things in disrepair. Hopefully things are looking up.
Hope you had a nice weekend.
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Today, at long last the new dishwasher was to be installed. I spent most of Monday, moving things around so the installer would have easy access to everything.
About 25 minutes before the installer was to arrive, he called to request the power to the dishwasher be turned off. I had to make about four trips to the basement before finding the correct switch. For some reason the switches are labelled rather ambiguously.
When the installation company called to set up the appointment I explained I had measured the width of the dishwasher as suggested by Costco and was assured because it was standard the height was not a factor.
The first thing the installer did after unloading the new dishwasher was to measure the height and said the dishwasher would not fit because he needed 33.5 inches insofar as clearance and I only had 33 and 3/8 inches.
It did not matter that I explained the hardwood flooring was not underneath the dishwasher and that he was measuring an inch of flooring that should not have been included.
I also explained that both the old and new dishwashers were the same size so I did not understand why he could not install the new one.
Included in my discussion, the hardwood flooring was in place when the old dishwasher was installed. Nothing worked. Though the guy had a very large head he spoke broken English and did not seem to understand what I was saying. Have you ever noticed the size of my head in comparison to the rest of my body? (See the last post).
I had to set up another appointment for a second opinion.
I am upset by all of this. This should have been an easy replacement and I had prepared carefully for everything.
I took some photos today, so I had on something other than my usual outfit. I will provide the other photos in the next post.
Why is this tagged FBI? Just something off about the whole thing. Most know there are sometimes the wrong issues involved in things like this and I do not like hassles for the wrong reasons. FBI, I said no.
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Over the last three months it seems an inordinate number of household appliances have gone into disrepair.
- Dishwasher
- Dehumidifier
- Freezer (Garage)
- Kitchen Sink Leak
- Iron
In addition, replacement batteries or recharging has been required for the following:
- Camera Batteries (enlarged with overcharging)
- Car Battery
- Smoke Detector
Coupled with the replacements and repairs to things I use, these days it seems that all I do is try to maintain the status quo.
Recent or pending Amazon purchases for replacements or repairs...
Will be getting a new dishwasher next week and purchased a new dehumidifier several years ago in case something like this happened. Repaired the kitchen sink leak and learned to use the new tool.
Miscellaneous replacements include two plants I had in the den. A lot of
traffic in the house last summer proved fatal for two of my favorite plants
and I am just now getting around to replacing them. See here and here for
the earlier versions of the plants.
The following illustration shows some of my recent Amazon purchases.
I think there was a problem with the surge protector used in the guest
bedroom/sewing room where the iron is kept. I have another iron, so this is
not a high priority, however I am not happy with the loss of the old Rowenta
iron.
I have also been taking inventory with other issues in my closets and found I need to implement several fixes or repairs before the cooler seasons arrive. One of the issues shown below.
This is just for information. The six pack of undies I purchased to go with my new white and tan slacks were on sale for $7.99. I think I got a good deal, and they are not uncomfortable, however I will not be using those undies for every day use. Here is the link if you want to try them for yourself.
Oh yes, I forgot to mention several of the organizations that provide the API resources I use to develop some of my tools, have sent notifications about updates to their services. I have some major software rewrites/repairs coming up.
Areas affected include the government representatives application on the WiredPages Government page and some of the CareerOne applications on the Employment page.
Sunday, June 30, 2024
It has been so hot in my area, I hate having to think about going out.
That said, on Thursday, June 27, 2024 I did have to go out and my worst fears were realized, when the van I wanted to use would not start.
A brand new battery was installed about a year ago, however, the van is used less than once a month and I think the combination of hot weather and disuse drained the battery.
The good news, the van started right away with the amp charger I reference in this post.
I am seldom jealous of anyone with a pool. Allow me to explain. About the time I was completing my sophomore year in college (1979) and my sister was graduating from high school (always think of it as her graduation present), my parents had a pool installed.
Though I was never home (college, work, other interests), I perhaps used the pool less than 5 times before my parents sold the house in 1984. I thought when the pool was open (May-October), it was a lot of maintenance. And then there was the bunny that could not swim. I was simply never interested in that pool.
Several years ago, one of the neighbors had a pool installed. See below, the view from my office window. I have never wished I could just jump into that pool- that is, until this year.
Maybe it is because I have been working in my office more this year and the room seems hotter than other areas of the house, but I have wanted to dive into the neighbor's pool. That said, I do not want my very own pool.
Though, the next topic is not heat related, I was hot under the collar when the issue first came to my attention.
Facebook decided my business verification was no longer valid in 2022. I mention this issue in this post. I was baffled by this, however, let it go. At the time, I was a developer using Facebook APIs, however, there seemed to be no impact to my Facebook applications (see here and here), so I did not worry about it.
On Thursday, June 27, 2024, after notification earlier in the week related to the state's renewal of my business entity, I resubmitted the business information (state & business bank documents) to Facebook.
As noted from the graphic below, Facebook verified my business and also verified that my business is a tech provider for their services- mainly dealing with their API resources.
Glad most of my heat related issues worked out. I am currently working a number of business related projects and planning for the holiday.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
I shop Costco at least every other week. This may be surprising to some, in that it would suggest there are more people in my household than there are. Costco is known for the bulk items on its shelves.
That said, the products I normally purchase from Costco are paper products and other
staples on sale which last. So let us start with the everyday items I try to
get on sale.
Next are foods and drinks. I love bakery items like danish, croissants,
rolls, etc. Sometimes I purchase danish and a variety of their cupcakes
however, I have to freeze most of the items in each package. I also purchase in
bulk the King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and freeze each package (comes with 2 in
a pack) until needed.
The King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls have 32 rolls in a pack and last about
2½ weeks. Here are some of the ways I use them with my meals.
I shop local food stores for most other staples. Is the Costco membership fee worth the savings I look for- on the products I purchase? Yes.
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Lately, I have been trying to update my look, however, I have been distracted with a number of issues related to my software applications and sites.
Thursday evening, I noticed a problem with the FCC application I developed for the WiredPages Media page. I think I have a solution, however I am not happy about the number of recent problems with my applications. In most cases, the API, XML, or RSS feed I am using has changed or was retired.
In addition, hosting-q.com, the site I use to host most of my software applications has gone down too many times in the last week. When it rains it pours.
Now, why am I working on my personal appearance? Earlier this year, I noticed I had lost quite a bit of weight (due to physical exertion), so I made a determined effort to lose more.
This has not exactly worked out as planned, in that I am not losing at the same rate. A bit slower.
A week ago, I was pleased with how my hair turned out- so yesterday, I thought I would look through my makeup bag and try somethings in hopes of reigniting my efforts insofar as my diet.
I am not sure if that red lipstick is going to do the trick, and I am really not sure why I would want a darker lipstick as we approach summer.
Maybe I should smile more, however right now I am rather annoyed with each new problem.
Friday, April 12, 2024
Yesterday, finally did something about my hair.
I am not happy with these photos, however, pleased with how my hair turned out.
When out, I receive a lot of comments about my hair. Now that my hair is mostly one color, it may look like a messy wig. It is not.
Why now? Wednesday, I was taking a selfie video for a ID I needed, and while sitting in the afternoon sunlight, noticed all the gray. I went out later that day and purchased the Garnier Nutrisse hair color I prefer.
Wednesday, March 06, 2024
It's Personal, this blog has been featured by Feedspot as one of Maryland's Top 30 Blogs.
I am delighted to have my personal blog featured by this organization.
Friday, November 03, 2023
I have been working various projects recently, however took the time to notice how beautiful the fall color turned out.
This fall, I have also tried new food items or prepared a lot of my old favorites.
I love fall and preparing for the holidays. Though I have no big plans, I
try to ensure that if I have an event, I have options. Last night, before
preparing for bed, I played around with a holiday look...
Hope to get to my hair in the coming weeks.
Monday, September 18, 2023
On Friday, September 15, 2023, I noticed for the first time that the New York Times Hardcover Bestsellers lists on the WiredPages Libraries page were out of sync.
For some reason, I thought the New York Times updated their hardcover bestsellers list late Saturdays to be ready for the Sunday edition. It turns out the new bestsellers are released each week on Wednesdays at 5:00 PM.
Why, had I never looked this up before last Friday? Because I am a programmer who relied solely on API feeds for the real time dynamic information used on most areas of the WiredPages News Service.
Why can I no longer rely on those real time API feeds? Though I can rely on the New York Times API (the list in the sidebar without the book cover images), Amazon's Associate resources for programmers have undergone many changes- restricting a lot of the access programmers using those resources once had.
So why did I update my Amazon Affiliate Links Database for the NY Times Bestsellers a moment ago and provide the updated information here (updated again on Jan. 14, 2024)...
For the week of: 1/10/2024
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
... in this blog post and not the WiredPages Libraries page? Because over the weekend, I decided I was not happy about my site visitation numbers in a number of areas and thought I would stop thinking about it and watch movies instead (also watched a little football, cooked, etc.).
I thought these movies (all new to me) great for the weekend distraction I wanted.
- Deadfall
- Headhunters (I loved the subtitles for this Norwegian thriller).
- Eastern Promises
Okay, where was I? My last post touches on some of the issues that seem to be at odds with my visitation data and I am frustrated. Visitation data impacts my access to the Amazon Product Advertising API (real time Amazon Products data) and the ads I run.
I cannot explain why the numbers are not syncing up. I would love for DOJ to respond.
P.S. I will update the WiredPages Libraries page on Wedenesday, after 5:00 PM and each Wednesday after that, with the new release of bestsellers- until my access to the Amazon Product Advertising API is restored.
Friday, August 11, 2023
Often, while researching offerings provided by content creators- I notice many provide their morning coffee ritual. I too, have a morning drink- my espresso.
What my espresso does not have:
- Shot of espresso
- Shot of vanilla
- Shot of caramel
- Oat milk
- Green powder
- Ice cubes
What it does have:
- Freshly ground coffee beans (blend Starbucks & Peets)
- Pure cane sugar
- Heavy whipping cream (okay, its like a shot of caramel with all of the cream and sugar)
- Bottled water
- Canned whipped cream if available
When I could not figure out why the half & half I used for years tasted as if too much preservative (fish oil) was being added, I switched to the heavy whipping cream purchased in a carton.
Recently, I purchased a carton of half & half (because the heavy cream was unavailable) and noticed the odd taste was absent, however I have now become used to the richer taste of heavy whipping cream.
I have no intention of moving into this century on this...
Sunday, August 06, 2023
It has been hot and humid in the Baltimore/Washington area and I am thankful I can do most things from the comfort of home. That said, on Wednesday of last week, on my way to Costco- I ran into a problem with a dead car battery.
I so seldom go out, that when things like this happen I am momentarily thrown off my game and cannot seem to understand how a dead battery could happen on a car I rarely use and continue to recondition with a battery amp charger/meter.
In this case, it appears the battery simply could no longer be reconditioned and on a hot summer day- I was happy to have another car I could use to both pick up needed supplies from Costco and to purchase a new battery from Autozone.
On Thursday morning, I tried to remove the negative terminal connector without success (positive easily loosened), so I called my brother to ask if he had a battery terminal remover tool. He said he would come by and look at the problem. After going through most of the ratchets in his set he finally found a small enough adjustable wrench in the tools here, to grab and loosen the nut holding the bolt.
The car started right away after putting the new battery in. I would have taken the car to the repair shop to replace the battery, however the battery was completely dead and could not be jump started.
The other project I have been working is going well and getting only good reports.
I am losing weight (project requires a lot of physical activity), and I think that is showing my age. Lately though, I have started to eat more of the foods I used to eat, however, not because I want a rounder less lined face. More because I am getting back into the sync of things.
Other recent purchases I am pleased about are shown below.
In my spare time, I continue to research content creators for a new venture I am thinking about (wiredcreators.com).
Discussed in this post...
 Porkus Glass Cups with Lids and Straws 4pcs,Glass Iced Coffee Cups with Lids  |
 EasyTime Watch Repair Kit - Watch Battery Replacement Kit  |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Since June 23, 2023, my every waking moment has been spent working a project that has consumed a lot of energy and time. I am hopeful- appointments next week will provide the positive results for all the hard work.
I am not going to provide more details about the project, however, suffice to say it is very important to me.
This post, to provide the reason for what appears to be my absence over the last month, from my normal online activities.
Over the course of the month, I celebrated another birthday and just last night, began reading Grisham’s "The Boys from Biloxi".
Major issues that have fallen by the wayside because of time constraints over the last month, include:
- The Amazon Native Ads affiliate resource is retiring in August, so I need to update my Amazon Stores and the app that utilizes the Amazon Product Advertising API.
- Work on a new site, WiredCreators.com.
- A summer course I wanted to take.
- Two WiredPages applications that no longer have working feeds.
- Real estate continuing education courses to maintain my Maryland Real Estate Salesperson's license which must be completed by April 2024. I have 5 of the 15 credits required to maintain the license. I hate putting things off til the last minute.
Discussed in this post...
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
I feel in good health, however sometimes I seem to be very hungry and thirsty. I am losing weight anyway. The only medication I use is Advil on the rare occasion I have a headache. A bit of research provides I am probably a type 1 diabetic, however need a doctor to confirm.
Based on this information, I borrowed a glucose kit to check my levels over a period of three days. The levels were 67, 102, and 102. The 67 seems a bit low.
Other stats:
Age:
Weight: 160lbs (or so)
Height 5'6"
BMI: 26 (overweight)
HIV Status: Negative
Education: BS Mathematics 1981
Other: Maryland Licensed Real Estate Salesperson 2022
Why leave my age blank? A visiting relative once called me Doogie Howser. There is a lot of evidence to support this statement (started college at 15) however, official documents supplied by state and Federal governments provide a different age. Do I need to prove this? No.
You studied math, how could you question your own age? Actually, I do not. It was the many who came to me with questions that provided the research and answers as to the how and why it was done. Believe it or not, some of the questions came from classmates in my middle and high schools. I continue to have ties to my high school.
Using the glucose kit is a little new to me, so last week the pin prick setting was on 3 which did not draw enough blood. It worked with a setting of 4. This morning I used a setting of 5 to ensure it worked the first time and think I drew too much blood. This can be noted in the following video.
Why would I think blood pressure is tied to HIV? Awhile back I was in a situation where most participants were HIV positive- stats provided. My pressure readings were consistently higher than most in the group using the same equipment. My HIV status was reconfirmed at the time. My stress cards routinely show -no stress or green/blue rather than black. One of the secretaries had a stress card. Hers showed tense (black). Mine always showed not tense. Check with your doctor for the possible meanings. Why note all of this? Public statement in case there was a misunderstanding. That said, I believe there is a National database that provides this information. Temperature readings in offices and other public venues I believe are key. Is my information correct? Do the research.
One other note- I smoked for about 19 years. I loved smoking and used this vice to maintain a 6/8 suit size. I stopped smoking in December 1998, cold turkey. I did not know much about HIV in 2012 about the time I started to understand so many things I had not understood before. This was a major topic I researched. I was always busy with career that I understand now how I missed somethings. People are living HIV positive with beautiful lives. X-smokers have a harder time. I am an x-smoker who currently now needs to look at glucose issues. I had no health related issues before my recent observations with my sugar levels. As a heavy x-smoker, I cannot afford more health issues.
