It’s been an interesting past two weeks. Kevin is working nights. Trying to keep his night schedule and my day schedule makes for a tired Patti. Throw in the excessive heat that’s gripped the nation’s mid-section and the blissful joys of womanhood. I almost feel like the famous line Dolly Parton said in Steel Magnolia’s, “I don’t know if I should wind my ass or scratch my watch.” LOL.

Three weeks ago it bothered me if I didn’t have the bulk of my work done before noon. Now, I’m happy if I get it done by 2:00 a.m. I have to admit it’s made me realize that I don’t challenge myself enough. So it’s all good.

So, on to the updates.

I wrote a little piece on the keys to success for Blogging Tips this week. I think it was one of those 2:00 a.m. writings, but I enjoyed it. I’ve also re-written it for a new site I’m working on, but not ready to reveal to the world just yet. It’s something that’s nudged me for more years than I care to mention and I’m still trying to fight listening to the voice, but I’m moving forward with it.

At Daily Health Now, my guest blogger, Mary Albert has posted about active lifestyles. Mary is s a health advocate and blogger for Lifestyle Health Guide, where she contributes regularly on topics like health, wellness and active aging. I think you’ll enjoy her stuff.

I’ve also had guest blogger, Kara Taylor, share some nice tips for natural ways to get a good night’s rest.

Be sure to stop by and check those out.

And, for the really FUN-FUN side of the writing life–10K Days at Milli’s! These are a lot of fun and the last few have had a great turn out. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and make new friends too. The two dates this month are Wednesday, July 20 and Saturday, July 23. Don’t miss it. Go ahead and RSVP and get in on the fun! You don’t have to participate both days, but feel free to do so if you want.

Other stuff…

We received the 1943 German version of Titanic from Netflix to watch this weekend. It should be interesting. Kevin asked me how we were supposed to watch it if it’s in German. I think he forgets how often I watch TV with the sound off anyway. LOL

That’s about it for my updates. See you soon.

Have a great weekend!

Today we have an excellent article from guest, George Baker. Enjoy!

A cluttered computer can be found in almost any home. Every time you buy a new computer you may tell yourself that you’re not going to let the new one get all cluttered like the old one. Over time, however, one icon after another begins to fill your desktop. You leave programs installed even though you know that they will never be used again. Time passes and you find yourself with another cluttered PC. The following gives some helpful tips in PC maintenance that can help eliminate clutter regardless of how old your PC may be.

1. Minimize Desktop Icons

This cannot be emphasized enough. Most users may not realize it, but you do not need an icon for every program that is on the computer. The only icons that are really needed are for the programs that are accessed the most. All of the other programs that are rarely used can be accessed through the start menu.

2. Delete Unused Programs

Some icons can be eliminated simply from deleting programs that are no longer in use. There’s no need to waste hard drive space if you are not using a particular program anymore. Some will uninstall, but sometimes the icon for the program is still on the start menu or desktop. When you uninstall you should make sure that you have a program like Microsoft Windows Installer that will completely remove the contents of the application.

3. Delete Cookies & History

This is something that can actually be set to clear whenever you close the browser. If you do not utilize the option you should still make a point to delete your history, cookies, and any other type of tracking that can clutter your system. The internet cache should also be cleared because it only adds more clutter to your system that is harder to delete over time. This should be done on a regular basis to minimize the time that it takes to perform this task.

4. Clean Registry

The registry is so incredibly importance, but many people are afraid to edit it. There are programs that can detect false registry values and clean up a registry through a wizard. This allows you to select the options that you like. The registry clean up application will then perform the task in accordance with the options that you selected.

5. Run A Virus Scan

The registry needs to be cleaned, but the computer also needs to be scanned for viruses. This can slow a computer down and install malicious programs that do not benefit the user at all. Certain viruses can also damage files and totally shut computers down. A virus scan should run on a regular basis to prevent this from occurring.

6. Remove Duplicate Files

It’s always a good idea to do a search for duplicate files. This can take up a lot of unnecessary space. People have so many electronic devices: iPads, iPhones, MP3 players, and smart phones. It’s easy to have lots of duplicate files without realizing it. A search should be done to compare files and eliminate duplicate files that are stored on the hard drive.

7. Tag Your Folders

Wise PC users tag their folders with descriptive naming conventions. There’s no need to have all of your files on your computer if you can’t find them. Use naming conventions that allow you to search and quickly find what you are looking for.

8. Clear Recycle Bins

Always remember to clear the recycle bin. Some files are deleted permanently, but many deleted files go to the recycle bin. This means that they are still taking up space on the hard drive. Clear your recycle bin on a regular basis to prevent cluttering.
Buy A Portable Hard Drive

There may be files that you need, but you may not have the room to store them. Get a portable drive to increase your storage and improve your data organization.

9. Run All Required Updates

A lack or regular updates can clutter up your computer. You may find yourself with an array of pop-up messages that will not go away until you run the updates. This can clutter your task bar at times, and it can even cause some programs to fail when they are executed.

An expert on blogging and internet relations, George Baker has been busy with vacuum bags most recently, spending a lot of time researching Numatic vacuum bags and other vacuum accessories.

I posted this as an event at Facebook and thought I’d share it here for those who aren’t on FB or my friends list there.

This is a test. It is only a test. If it had been a real post, it would have more text. LOL

I think it’s a loaded question. Usually when you hear that question, they already know the answer–but you’re going to lie about it anyway. Right?

I’ve thought of a million and one places to take this blog. It’s been on my mind since it’s inception–and don’t ask me when that was. I’d have to do a Whois search on my own dang domain to find out. LOL. The logical place to take this blog, since it is patti stafford dot com (use your best Peanut voice on the dot com part–you know–Jeff Dunham’s Peanut?) and since I am The Stafford Scribe—and now The Sassy Marketer, it only seems fitting that this become a personal blog. All me, what I have to say and share and probably a lot of places and discussions we shouldn’t get into, but it happens.

So without further boring details let’s get some announcements out of the way. Shall we?

My new website and the thing I’ve been having the most fun at (work wise anyway) is Marketing News. I’m stepping off into the world of Internet and Affiliate Marketing. Something I feel I should have done a long time ago, but didn’t.

You should check out The Neurotic Pen. Really. Just click it, it won’t kill you. I promise. It’s “almost” completely painless. :)

You should also check out Irish Lady Productions. It’s not quite as neurotic as the other, but it’s cool and has a monthly reading challenge.

And if you really want to get wild and crazy, go have a peek at Zebra Sounds. A recent find for me and pretty darned good.

The new year is fast approaching. Are we ready for it? Well it doesn’t matter, they say it’s coming anyway. I need to work on my goals. I need to add something more than “blog” to the list. That just leaves me wide open for disaster.

So, what are your goals and plans for the new year? Do you have them laid out with action steps you need to take to reach them? Share with us.

Later peeps!
Patti

Welcome to Mayhem & Madness.

This event happens every Monday. It’s when you dedicate the entire day strictly to writing fiction. Try to turn off email, social media–anything that distracts you and just write.

The time can be spent outlining characters, plots, scenes, etc. or let your characters, plots and schemes run amuck and enjoy the Mayhem & Madness.

The focus is devote the day to your favorite work of fiction in progress.

Enjoy and share your progress throughout the day in comments.

Welcome to Mayhem & Madness.

This event happens every Monday. It’s when you dedicate the entire day strictly to writing fiction. Try to turn off email, social media–anything that distracts you and just write.

The time can be spent outlining characters, plots, scenes, etc. or let your characters, plots and schemes run amuck and enjoy the Mayhem & Madness.

The focus is devote the day to your favorite work of fiction in progress.

Enjoy and share your progress throughout the day in comments.