I wrote back in 2008 about this new browser that was released by Google called Chrome. Its speed and simplicity really made it attractive. Since then I’ve settled on Chrome as my default browser. There are a few sites that don’t work with it, so I still have to use IE8 from time to time. That has happened less and less over time.
A couple weeks ago, Google released a new “stable” (as opposed to the “test”) version that included:
- Themes – Visual changes the browser submitted by Google and others.
- Extensions – Add in modules that provide additional functionality to the browser.
- Bookmark Synchronization – Keep your bookmarks the same on multiple computers.
Of the new features in the latest version, bookmark synchronization has been my favorite. I can now add or remove bookmarks at home or at work and have them take effect on other machine next time I use that browser. The first time I used them was the most painful as I had to remove all of the duplicate links. The next task was to clean up my outdated and longer useful bookmarks. To do this I basically deleted anything I hadn’t used in the last month or two. This by itself was been awesome. Can you say that about a web browser feature?
I’m not particularly interested in the themes, but some of the extensions are nice. In particular, I’ve enjoyed having the Weather.com and Google Voice extensions. Both of them add a new button to the right of the address/search box and allow quick access and notification of new information. Extensions aren’t unique to Chrome, as FireFox and IE has had them for some time. It’s just nice that my preferred browser now supports them.
If you’ve been thinking that your web browser has gotten really slow, give Chrome a chance. On Connie’s machine, it made things fast enough that I was able to delay an upgrade of her computer hardware. The only real downside is that it is made by Google and I’ve gotten more hesitant about using them for everything (same as I do/did for Microsoft). Aside from that paranoia, I’ve enjoyed my new browser. For more tips on using Chrome, check out the Chrome blog.
Posted in Techie , Tagged with Google, Internet, Software.
By James
– 2/2/2010
Weekend before last I went on a ski trip to Salt Lake City and really had a great time. One of the downsides of the trip was that I lost my glasses. They were old (six or seven years) and they were slightly damaged (the last inch of one arm was broken off), but still they functioned and I didn’t plan on changing them just yet. Well so much for plans. I scheduled an appointment with the family eye doctor. Actually it was the husband of the family doctor (who is also an ophthalmologist), but I think he’s my new eye doctor since I like him better. Bottom line, my eye sight is 20/40 and I still need glasses (big surprise).
I remembered that Quinn’s vision with his glasses on is about 20/45, so this really gave me a better idea of what he sees everyday. Again this is with his glasses on. I made this comment to the doctor and he asks if I would like to see what Quinn sees without his glasses. Since I’m Quinn’s parent, I gave him permission to access Quinn’s files on the computer to get the prescription. He was able to take some lenses from his desk and provide me a view into what Quinn sees in the morning before putting on his glasses.
Continued…
Posted in General , Tagged with Family, Health.
By James
– 1/24/2010
Today is our 15 year anniversary. I can’t even remember all of it (my lack of memory and not that I’ve purposely blocked it out), but it sure seems to be going extremely well. As I reflect back on our marriage, I really see how we have built a family. Not just a husband and wife, but two people joined together with a common vision for raising children and spending our lives serving our Creator. That vision hasn’t always been clear and we continue to seek out his will for our lives each day, but we do that together as a couple. My commitment to Connie is even more strong than it was all those years ago.
On the right, you see a photo of the two of us when we first started dating in December, 1993. I had met Connie for our first date the week before and I’m not sure who mentioned it first (probably me), but we agreed that I would visit her while she was in New Orleans for Christmas. So even though the facial hair has changed, I’m still just as excited to spend time with my girl.
Posted in Family , Tagged with Anniversary.
By James
– 1/21/2010
This past Thursday I left for Salt Lake City, Utah to go skiing. It’s been a while since my last trip and I’ve really had the fever to get back out on the snow. There have been a number of factors keeping me away from a ski trip, not the least of which was limited funds. Each year Connie would encourage me to make the trip. Even though we had a couple last minute health surprises this year, I was able to make my ski trip. So three days of skiing and then a return travel day on Monday.
It was a ski trip on the cheap as I was able to use my reward miles to get a flight to Utah. I also split a room with my friend Don from Memphis. Since the hotel we stayed at had a breakfast and dinner provided free of charge, my food wasn’t that much. Another difference this year that cut the cost was the purchase of a Utah Super Pass (lift ticket and day pass on the Utah Transit system). Not only was it $10 cheaper than a lift ticket on the mountain, it meant we rode the bus and avoided a 4 day car rental. This is a great plan as long as you know the bus numbers (at least the one that you need to be on to get there and back). It only took one miscue to elevate the importance of bus numbers. So it was definitely a trip on the cheap (as much as a ski trip can be cheap).
The first day we went to Alta. The second day was spent at Solitude and the final day at Brighton. Each of the ski areas were great with plenty of good ski trails. The snow base was a little low (around 50″), but we didn’t have any blizzard conditions like the last time. I keep getting a little better each time. I guess I pick up a few tricks and build my confidence as well. Only a couple falls this year and those were when I was barely moving (more clumsiness than anything else). That’s not saying that I’m an expert skier because I’m not. I definitely fit in the intermediate category. I ski on the blue trails (and a few black trails), but I steer clear of the moguls.
Overall it as a great trip and definitely a stress reliever. I got my fill with three, six hour days of skiing. It was also great to get back home with Connie and the kids. Boy did I miss them.
Posted in General , Tagged with Skiing, Snow.
By James
– 1/20/2010
This past Christmas we decided to see how the boys would take to a remote control toy. They had some of the small stuff, but we wanted to get something a little more substantial (yet not break the bank). I picked up a Syma 9088 at Amazon since it looked good, had 3 channel control and more importantly was on sale (real cheap). It was really too big to fly indoors and our first few flights outside went well. This was pretty exciting and the boys did great.
Continued…
Posted in General , Tagged with Toys.
By James
– 1/14/2010
Those of you with a Wii and a Netflix subscription can now rejoice as it is official that the Wii will support Netflix streaming in the Spring. You can head to their site now and sign up to receive the disc that will be necessary to start up the Netflix software. Unlike the Xbox 360, both the PS3 and soon the Wii require that you insert a disc before using the service. Not really a big deal to me. I believe that the PS3 is going to remove the disc requirement before long as well. As the Wii doesn’t support HD output, don’t plan on HD content (makes sense). On the positive side, you also don’t have to pay an additional fee on the Wii (the Xbox 360 version requires a gold level membership in Xbox Live).
We are big fans of the Netflix streaming service around our house. I really like the idea of streaming content on demand rather than paying for a bazillion channels where I only want to watch two of them. Netflix seems to be making good on their plans to make themselves available on as many devices as possible.
Posted in General , Tagged with Netflix, Wii.
By James
– 1/13/2010
We went to the neurologist yesterday to see if there was something on the MRI that would give a reason for Hayden’s seizure last week. The MRI came back normal along with every other test that’s been administered. The official word is that they don’t know what caused it, but there is a 20% percent chance that he will have another one. If he does have one in the next couple years, then they will label that as epilepsy and look at treatment. As far as the neurologist could could tell, Hayden was “normal” (e.g. he’s in great shape). We are glad that nothing turned up and now we just hope that he doesn’t have another one for the rest of his life. We are thankful for the prayers and kind words of so many around us.
Posted in Family , Tagged with Health.
By James
– 1/12/2010
The next day after Hayden’s seizure, he woke up like his old self. He looked fine and was hungry for breakfast. Everything seemed to be in the past. I had to get my brakes fixed (lost bolt replaced) and I spent a good part of the day pulling out the toilet that was dislodged when he kicked it during his seizure. It was in the afternoon that I gave up on the toilet repair and called in more qualified help. I gave it a good try, but I think it’s wise to know your limits. At the end of yesterday, things were back in working order.
It’s just not the same as it was before. Every move and every odd facial expression gets a special look of concern from Connie and I. We just can’t relax yet. For the record, it’s the same when we are around water (i.e. pools, ponds, etc..) with Emma. Her near drowning has caused us to just view things differently. In some ways, we want Hayden to just slow down and don’t do as much. Just lay down and rest. Alas, Hayden can’t live his life like that and it’s going to take some adjustment for us to get used to the new Hayden (which is very similar to the old one except for the instance of a seizure). I would love things to just go back to normal, but they’ve changed and it will probably never be the same.
Being a parent is something that brings a lot of joy. Lots and lots of joy. It also brings with it a sense of responsibility that weighs you down at times. I can’t imagine what must be going through Connie’s mind. She was there with him every step of the way. She experienced it all first hand and I appreciate her strength, but realize the trauma she endured. So we continue on with the aftermath. One more memory that perhaps time will fade.
Posted in Family
By James
– 1/7/2010
I wish I could say otherwise, but 2010 is definitely getting off to a bad start. Yesterday Connie couldn’t walk due to dizziness (more than normal for a blond) and was diagnosed with BPPV. An in office, non-surgical and non-drug procedure seems to have alleviated the problem. One little catch is that she had to sleep in the recliner (with me on the sofa) last night and tonight. No laying flat for 48 hours.
That in and of itself is not a problem, but this morning Hayden suffered a seizure. It was pretty intense and he and Connie went to the hospital in an ambulance. I stayed with the kids until Jan (really nice neighbor that we know from church) came to watch them (Connie’s parents came up on short notice to spend the day with them). Brain scans, blood work, EKG and EEG didn’t show anything abnormal and didn’t provide a reason for the seizure. Later in the week, we’ll have an MRI done to look further into the brain. He’s home now resting, but he’s still suffering from nausea due to the drug given to him to stop the seizures.
I’m tired and worn out. I came home tonight to brake problems on my truck and a leaking toilet in the hall bath. All these things can be fixed, but I just don’t want to contemplate more problems with my wife and kids. It just hurts and at some point I get a little shell shocked. But I know that my redeemer lives and he has a plan that is beyond what I can see. I’m thankful for the prayers of many of Hayden and I look forward to a day when the suffering of this dispensation will be a thing of the past.
Addendum: Special thanks to Maryellen for taking care of Connie and bringing food over tonight. You were a God send.
Posted in Faith, Family , Tagged with Family, Health.
By James
– 1/5/2010
I’m a little late to the “Happy New Year blog post party”, but I thought I would take a moment and reflect on 2009. From a family perspective, it was a little trying at times due to several medical situations. We almost lost Emma to a drowning, Maggie got tubes in her ears, Hayden had heart surgery and Connie had surgery. I’m very thankful that I was able to maintain my employment during what was one of the most turbulent economic times in recent memory. With the greater than expected expenses due to the medical emergencies, we were glad to be able to stay financially on our feet.
Last year was the first year without the large oak trees in our yard. We had them removed in January and I really enjoyed having less leaves and more nice green grass around the house. The kids also benefited with more open space to run and play. We also installed a rain gutter on the back of our house to route the deluges that we frequently get here in Louisiana. This was also our first full year with our office addition. It’s been great to have the extra space.
In and among all of that, the kids continued their music lessons. Quinn finished up Music for Kids and now has a private piano teacher. Emma continues to improve in her piano playing and Hayden will finish up with Music for Kids in the new few months. Lots of enjoyable music around the house. It’s interesting that we spend all of this time getting them to love music then we have to shush them when they are humming and whistling around the house. Go figure.
So here we are at the beginning of 2010. What lies ahead? In about twelve months we will know. I’m hopeful that it will be a good year. One filled with great memories of time spent with family and friends. It will be great if it is a healthier one. We move forward with the knowledge that God is in control. Though his ways are a mystery to us, we know that he loves us and has great plans for our lives. Best wishes to all our family and friends on this new year.
Posted in Family , Tagged with Family, Holidays.
By James
– 1/2/2010
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