I think I wrote down before about my computer problems. They’ve only gotten worse. I updated Vista to SP2. Microsoft deactivated my product code which means that you can turn on the computer and that’s it. It kept telling me that I had an invalid version of Vista. I was so frustrated that I just let the computer sit for well over a week. I finally mustered up the courage and contacted Microsoft. If you don’t know anything about me, let me tell you this – I am NOT a Microsoft fan in any way. Some might ask why I just don’t buy a Mac. It’s simple. Most software makers create with Windows in mind. I can get far more software for Windows than I can for a Mac.

They fixed the problem within an hour. Normally I never allow anyone to take control over my computer, especially Dell. It’s sad to say but I know more than most of Dell’s technical support team. Years ago, one technician insisted on taking control over my computer and crashed it so bad that a new hard drive had to be sent out with a technician to replace it. That was the last time I allowed someone to take control. But since I had no idea what to do about this problem and I know what Microsoft requires of their technicians in terms of certification, I figured it was safe.

So where does that leave me? Still feeling unsafe because of my BIOS problem. So I’ve decided to buy a new motherboard and just forget it. But I have to wait for right now since my dog is in desperate need of x-rays. I’m praying they come back clean but they want to check for cancer. He’s a good dog, fat, but good. Speaking of fat, I’ve started a new blog for weight loss. I’m looking for as many new support lines as I can get. No one can do this alone. If you’re looking to lose weight and want someone to support you, come over to my new blog and help me, help you. I’m a “laugher” so I’ve called the new place Weight for the Laugh. I look around for comics and place them on the blog and interject my own humor when I’m writing. I hope you’ll join me.

I’m out of town right now but when I get back, I’ll find that freebie I have for you and post it. Until then, have a great day!

It looks like I’ve fallen out into space with as long as I’ve been gone. About a month ago, my computer started crashing. I was getting the blue screen, the computer was constantly locking up, etc. I figured it was the memory going bad, the motherboard, or the power supply. Since I didn’t have the funds to fix it and had no intentions of using a credit card, it had to sit. I opened it up less than a week ago after buying a can of air. I started cleaning it out while it was on its side. I was able to look at the underside of the graphics card and noticed the cooling fan was tilted. In case you didn’t know it, most of your components nowadays have cooling elements or fans. Memory, CPU chip, graphics card, etc. It’s because we want our computer to be blazing and it has to cool itself off to keep from burning up. Well, that’s exactly what my graphics card did – it heated up and burned the fan off. There was melted plastic on the card. I think I got pretty lucky because it really could have been worse.

So my husband happened to be at Best Buy and asked if I wanted him to pick one up. $75 later and a dustless case, it seems as though my computer is running much better. I haven’t had it lock up since replacing the card. I did that less than a week ago and have been in a “testing period” since. I didn’t want to hold out too much hope and then still have problems. The video is still a bit choppy so I have to work on that. I figure it’s probably the need for memory or it’s on the same IRQ as something else. For me? It’s fixed for now. I can work on that when I have the time.

Now that I’m back, I’m ready to get started. I figured I’d start you off with a freebie today. I also have another one zipped and ready for you that I’ll show you later this week. For now, Kimberly Stewart has a great kit out called Winter Blessings. One of the fantastic team ladies, Tammy Dunlap, created a great quickpage for you. Here are today’s Peeks and Perks:

It’s hard to believe our gifts are coming to an end. Here we are at Day 10 already! Time sure flies by when you’re downloading. Debbie has today’s gift for you on her blog so I hope you’ll join me over there to download them! Come back tomorrow for that special surprise by Lisa.

Click HERE to go to Debbie’s Blog entry!

See you back here tomorrow!

Talk about feeling stupid! I was thinking it was Debbie’s day today and it turns out it’s mine. Where is my brain lately? I think it’s called “mommy brain.” I can’t seem to keep up with whatever is happening around me. It’s a good thing I had a reserve set aside. I was going to make this up for you later but had to jump on it right away. It’s a good thing I work well under pressure, lol.

 

It’s Day 9 today and I made up a template. Originally I made it for a photographer but converted it with a title and flowers (and moved some things around) to be used for scrapping. Yep! There is a difference between photographer templates and scrapping! Scroll down for the download link. See you tomorrow! ~Denise

 

Click on the image above or HERE to download