tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853983124059036012024-03-08T10:27:14.360+00:00So You're Not Dead Yet?A round up of gadgets, toys and slightly more mundane stuff but with a twist to make life more interesting if you have limitations. I have Fibromyalgia, Wartenbergs Migratory Sensory Neuropathy, Chronic Fatigue, and various other unexplained ailments but aint gonna let it it slow me down with so many gadgets to help me out there.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-75361761320965148742010-04-07T12:06:00.000+01:002010-04-07T12:06:29.275+01:00How to do a presentation if you cant travel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.apple.com/macosx/what-is-macosx/images/ichat_ichatscreen20090608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.apple.com/macosx/what-is-macosx/images/ichat_ichatscreen20090608.jpg" /></a></div>Problem - An email from AGI Northern Ireland asking to see my presentation, but how to get round my travel limitations?<br />
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Solution - <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/what-is-macosx/ichat.html">Apple iChat with theatre!</a><br />
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Having always wanted to see this in action, I immediately decided to try a video presentation, but was unsure how the files would look, or how the sound would work. On checking on the apple website, I found reference to file sharing by theatre. Basically all you do is start a video chat, the go to file, and select the sharing with theatre option and Apple does the rest. It took a while to connect, but once I had rebooted, I simply called up the gents in NI on my buddy list, and waited for the wows once the file opened. The theatre option takes your web cam image to the bottom of the screen, and then shows the powerpoint slides at a native resolution, which was essential for me as the presentation is about mapping and charts! I now never have to travel needlessly again just to give a talk, and seeing as this is a charity and volunteer led organisation, so much the better for keeping costs down.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-31849984847360817082010-04-06T18:54:00.003+01:002010-04-06T19:06:45.120+01:00Palm treo rantOK, so work just gave me a new Palm Treo for my email on the move. I had an old Treo, which had been <br />bearable, if somewhat ageing, so was happy to get a like for like. But it isn't.<br /><br />What ever possessed Palm to shrink the stylus to be shorter than my thumb whilst at the same time making the buttons and screen harder to use? I have very small hands, so never expected this to be an issue. This is surely madness to play with a design so much that it gets worse not better? Yes its thinner, but the thickness wasn't an issue really. To try and compare this to my personal iphone is like trying to compare a goat to a horse when all you want is something to ride to the market. And the goat analogy can continue as the phone is stubborn (wont recognise button presses), awkward (took me an age to get the stylus out before realising its length) but looks good. <br /><br />When will gadget designers realise that as gadgets become more common, people who aren't young, able bodied, healthy American males or Japanese school girls, use them too? And the 99% of the population who fit into this demographic have long memories when they start to dislike a manufacturer. I had a Palm in the glory days - before windows. It was so far ahead of the game; slick, fast, and easy to use. Each successive version has been worse than the previous one, and I now pray to whatever deity you choose that I will never have another one again. In fact I am talking to my managers about its lack of accessibility to try and get rid of this one.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-48231203206753760802010-04-03T14:58:00.003+01:002010-04-03T15:35:04.149+01:00Sleeping comfortably with Fibromyalgia and Neuropathy pt 2Having settled on a pillow, the next thing is to try and find a covering that's comfortable. Not an easy job! So heres a few tips I have managed to cobble together by trial and effort.<br />1 - Keep your shoulders warm. If you are the sort of person that tends to wriggle out of the duvet, then a nightgown or top with a close fitting neck and either short or long sleeves is best, not vest tops. There are a lot of fleecy cotton or T-shirt ones around. If its very cold, then its worth considering a shrug as well.<br />2 - Ventilate! Fresh air is so much better to sleep with. Of course this is hard if you live in the town, so consider instead some spider plants or orchids/cacti. In NASA tests, a spider plant kept misted to keep the leaves clear works better than any ioniser going, and costs nothing to run. Also orchids and cacti and some other plants give out oxygen at night unlike most other plants so greatly aid your breathing.<br />3 - Constant temperature. Keeping the window open this winter was good for breathing, but not for my neck. I found a conservatory heater ideal. Its cheap to run, and stops the temperature dropping below zero in the room. The oil filled ones are also silent which is good, I just wish I had been able to find one without a glowing light on the side, but duck tape soon sorts that out.<br />4 - Quiet. I use earplugs. for disposable ones, I found the ones from <a href="http://www.superdrug.com/First-Aid/SUPERDRUG-EARPLUGS/invt/869727">superdrug</a> the softest, with <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/product_url?q=http://www.boots.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay%3FstoreId%3D10052%26catalogId%3D11051%26productId%3D127213%26langId%3D-1%26callingViewName%3D%26cm_mmc%3DShopping%2520Engines-_-Google%2520Base-_---_-Boots%2520Soft%2520Disposable%2520Foam%2520Earplugs%2520%25203%2520pairs%26CAWELAID%3D334510186&fr=ADXvenK804XLoJhd6Ejy_aaRQE5ZsNRSwUabvMfNK9pq8KEcHBgb93RAjSYGLNt-SrccT9-nCIpYowhVKYEqh70bIqFNY9QAmiJwh_ETx3ttZrKxBXAGjOA6aBdOr-6YxMmQPysIhg_i9UH210onRvcxKe0-xa4duwMRvWbYGe_oFNo08WjCZbsYDcXt534Y-7FwXL2neWVYeLmRg0Utl2mVlda5KJvyi27c9tyI9IEjjge0itdCg_Jv-7JTXVDSEKhv3YezF62KTufHpHkx8sBZFC881g4EJN0voTIs1VoTi6NVChv5FtWcznvkxdY2UJuKeMTORXwPz3JbnuRhGF4hr1uRjJVsVdQTFCAIEvvqmCHk1dy9mgefvvdxsDqo1mFrPLa0QEZ9GYfHFE6empsAAAAAAAAAAA&ei=5Ey3S_SoDsrT-AbGzsGGBw&sig2=k2SDNL2FQ-FZGrQFwLUfFA&gl=uk&hl=en&sa=title&ved=0CA4QgwgwATgA">Boots</a> a close second (I tried more types than I can remember!). This gets expensive after a while, so I got myself some fitted ones from <a href="http://www.audiorelief.co.uk/shop/index.php?cPath=28&osCsid=89430f67d71c0550cacce0b70c032205">audio relief </a>which have lasted two years and are so comfy they don't kick off my neuropathy either.<br />5- Dark. Its natural to sleep in the dark. I have some masks for when I am away from the dark of the countryside or if its a really bright moon. I have also masked every LED or banned them from the bedroom - No TV!!. My <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/PURE-EVOKE-Flow-Internet-Radio/dp/B001FA05YU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1270305206&sr=1-1">Pure Evoke</a> radio is great as its almost totally dark (just one little light in the corner to cover).<br />6 - Natural fibres. I have found many options, and definitely find something natural best. down duvets were my favourite until recently, but this kicks off sinus issues, which most of us sufferers get apparently, so I decided to ask for a silk duvet for Christmas, and am so happy I did. I got a his n hers duvet with 10 tog on my side and 4 on my husbands. Silk is anti-allergy so this is great, and they are far more popular now so are available from many stores. The lightness of the duvet is also good - you wont believe you could possibly be warm with so little depth of covering, but you can! I also just got some lovely cotton bedding and a cotton padded throw from <a href="http://www.laredoute.co.uk/style/BERANGERE-HOME-DOTS-Cotton-Satin-Duvet-Cover-4-Colours.aspx?ProductId=324164021&DocumentId=210010&CompanyId=R&source=12&csppid=324164013&mdi=O">La Redoute</a> <br />7 - A "dawn" alarm clock. In the dark of winter, this really helps you wake refreshed. I have a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Naf-Digital-Progressive-Clock-Radio/dp/B002DYZ95W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1270304847&sr=8-3">Naf Naf </a>one from Amazon, but again there are loads now - a cheaper option would be to buy a daylight bulb and a timer switch.<br /><br />I slept with this lot last night, and even though my husband was snoring, the dog sneaked in, and its was a really cold night, I slept really well, and hope my readers do too!Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-10581251967793292752010-03-31T11:11:00.004+01:002010-03-31T11:52:53.664+01:00iPad accessibilityI admit it, I am waiting for my ipad - my 40th birthday was last december, but I put off having any presents until the new range of tablets came out. I looked very carefully at the ranges on offer, and the <a href="http://www.notionink.in/">Notion Ink</a> device came a very close second for me. However the fact that I wanted something very light, that turned on and off immediately, and could play my audio books in the background whilst doing some serious work without the need for a stylus swung it for me. Talking of styli - I just got a new Palm PDA from work, and the stylus is even smaller than last time - so thats not gonna get used, and the screen is less responsive than ever. I am not surprised they aren't doing very well.<br /><br />But back to the iPad - so have got agreement form even the most diehard anti apple guys in the office that the iPad was the one for me, I have been waiting and watching with increasing lust, and envy of the americans who are getting their hands on them this Saturday. My husband has already warned me he draws the line at waiting in a queue for one, so I will be web ordering. I am disappointed that they don't seem to be offering engraving at the moment, as that would have been the icing on the cake for me. However some of this disappointment has been mollified by <a href="http://www.apple.com/uk/ipad/features/accessibility.html">this page</a>.<br /><br />At last! Someone realises that accessibility needs to be built in, not just added as an afterthought with software. I shall definitely be using the zoom, high contrast and triple click from time to time, but love the voice over ideas. I cant wait to see what others make of it as well. Top marks, Apple - now when can I have my birthday present!?!Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-34725312592013490822010-03-20T20:10:00.002+00:002010-03-20T20:19:58.649+00:00Wrist Splints - The winner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lp-supports.com/i/products/hand_and_wrist_supports/525.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 226px;" src="http://www.lp-supports.com/i/products/hand_and_wrist_supports/525.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> I was still in so much pain, I had to continue in my search, so I am so pleased to report success! I ordered an LP wrist brace from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0017YIRJO/ref=s9_simh_gw_p200_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=18SNRRP9ZCTA7QXR4KFW&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294">Amazon</a>. They are lightweight moulded plastic with a soft lining, and two adjustable quick release straps. They come in different sizes, and I went for the middle one. I am right at the smaller end of this one, but it feels really good on. The fact that it isn't enclosing is great and my neuropathy has completely gone. It is also so comfortable that I went happily to sleep wearing it so didn't undo the healing overnight. I am now going to get a lefthand one, and keep them by my computer for those days when I don't want want to strain my wrist by too much typing - like next week when I have to catch up on last week... Oh and a final point - the release mechanism is totally silent so I have no worries about having to adjust/remove it in a meeting. Worth every single penny!!Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-33994609441075618212010-03-19T09:02:00.002+00:002010-03-19T09:31:19.717+00:00Socks for NeuropathyA note about socks - and if you have neuropathy, you don't need to know anything more than that! - the daily struggle to find socks that don't make things worse.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/">Next</a> - Coloured Footbed socks, OK for not too sensitive days as the pattern thickens up the sole a bit, close fitting so no good on swollen leg days, but OK otherwise. Slogan ankle socks - too thin for winter wear if you suffer from the cold, and generally too tight at the top if you don't have stick legs, too high nylon content for my feet, generally nasty to wear, but fun for a teenagers christmas present...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/">Marks and Spencers</a> - Standard Cotton Rich socks - looser round the top but grip well a good low cost option. Padded sports socks - the extra layer of thick towelling make these my favourite socks. There are several types from trainer socks, through to plain black ankle socks. Warm and cosy, best ones I have found for those sensitive days when you don't want to put your foot on the floor.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hjhall.co.uk/softop.asp">Softop Socks</a> - Available from many stockists. A nice luxury option for bad leg days, the special top just hugs your legs rather than grips. The high wool content ones are good for days when you want extra warmth, but the soles are thinner so not as good for sensitive soles. However on cold winter days, these inside a pair of sheepskin boots keep my feet so cosy and able to breathe that my neuropathy didn't kick off as much so a good option for your christmas list. They are a great option for bed-socks too, if you cant stand all the synthetic fibre ones.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-14124875743727444732010-03-17T17:26:00.002+00:002010-03-17T17:42:52.416+00:00Wrist Splints from thermoskin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thermoskin.co.uk/images/wrist/carpalbrace8_243.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 155px; height: 132px;" src="http://www.thermoskin.co.uk/images/wrist/carpalbrace8_243.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>As is the Way with Fibromyalgia, my wrist decided to play up this week. For no reason at all, I couldn't bend it, and couldn't lift anything heavier than a pencil! The pharmacy staff at <a href="http://www.boots.com/">Boots</a> both in the town and village have been excellent, but I am still struggling sadly. First of all I tried a simple crepe bandage - tried and tested, but no good for doing anything much with my hand. Much as I enjoy being a lady of leisure, I still have to earn a living. <br /><br />So something better was needed. I first of all tried a Thermoskin Carpel wrist brace. The splint was beautifully fitted to my wrist and palm and very comfortable, but the bottom strap didn't do up very well over my swollen forearms, so the spiky side of the velcro rubbed a bit. However this was nothing to the pain the next day - I seem to have developed a reaction to it, despite it being breathable. My neuropathy has kicked off so badly on my wrist that I now am in agony after just 20 minutes of wear.<br /><br />My hand was not affected, so I went back to boots and this time just got a simple wrist strap which fits above the now sensitive bit. Its very comfy, but not as supportive, and pulls the joint at the base of my thumb a bit. However this is much better than the adhesive bandage I decided to try in the middle of all this. Never again will I adhere anything to already sensitised skin! Yes, I know it sounds basic, but you don't always think straight during pain do you? <br /><br />I am now hoping it goes away very soon, or I have no idea what to buy next :(Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-2370752645230272352010-03-10T15:31:00.005+00:002010-03-10T16:11:06.180+00:00Dr Martens For LifeAs a huge fan of Dr Martens, I would not have believed they could improve this much! Having bought a pair of<a href="http://www.drmartensforlife.com/"> for life boots </a>a while ago, I was immediately impressed at their softness. They needed no braking in at all-high praise indeed from someone with feet as sensitive as mine. However they got truly tested last weekend. I went to one of the<a href="http://www.ciaa.org.uk/"> CIAA Qigong </a>weekends and wore them all the time. The soles were comfy and warm, when all the well people were complaining of cold feet, and the soft leather hugged and supported my ankles while being flexible enough far any exercises-Now my only question is when to get a black pair!Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-12366807416448149402009-12-24T12:42:00.003+00:002009-12-24T12:52:12.416+00:00My new favourite knife<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kuhnrikon.com/images/database/product_glam_423_1.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 325px; height: 180px;" src="http://www.kuhnrikon.com/images/database/product_glam_423_1.png" border="0" alt="" /></a> I just bought one of these non stick knives on a whim, whilst buying my fathers christmas present. It was pretty cheap, about £6 I think, but bright green and zingy. Since then it has been in use nearly every day. For those of us with weakened hands through chronic pain, anything that helps every day activities such as cooking is very welcome. I cant believe the difference it has made to some of my food preparations. Cutting vegetables seems to only take half the effort. It doesn't work on everything - especially very sticky things like glace cherries, but then nothing does, and for that amount of money this has to go down as one of my best buys of the year.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-38615729472691554122009-12-24T12:26:00.003+00:002009-12-24T12:51:35.192+00:00Pacing - the only way to survive Christmas with fibromyalgiaJust a little reminder to all that pacing is the only way to get through the next few days. Come the start of January, you wont regret having done frozen peas instead of sprouts, or having handed over presents in bags not neatly wrapped, but you will regret it if you spent the day in bed as you overdid it trying to prepare! <br /><br />I managed to do too much tidying yesterday, getting carried away, and as a result didn't wake up until lunchtime, so now have to truly prioritise or suffer tomorrow. I want to eat christmas pudding, so thats next on the list, and maybe wrapping, but thats it for me. I have sent out to <a href="https://www.waitrosedeliver.com/wdeliver/app/shop">Waitrose entertaining</a> for ready prepared vegtables, and a christmas cake. The local butcher <a href="http://www.localfoodadvisor.com/Producers/SumblerBrothers-3831.aspx">Sumblers</a> has prepared the meats, and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/">amazon</a> has provided almost all the presents - the others were from a couple of shops near work, or other web shopping sites. However looking back on this. it probably worked out at about the same costs as preparing early gave me web discounts enough to cover the extra in food ordering, so I think next year I will get amazon to gift wrap everything too!<br /><br />Happy holidays everyone, and don't panic about the small stuff - just remember its your time that counts, not your perfection.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-37118653649032345532009-11-21T15:25:00.003+00:002009-11-21T15:38:37.498+00:00Stressless sofas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ekornes.co.uk/sitefiles/site601/shop/222_25.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 120px;" src="http://www.ekornes.co.uk/sitefiles/site601/shop/222_25.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Need a new sofa? old one just too hard/soft? Well I was in this situation recently - I wasn't very happy that the old one hadn't lasted even 6 years, but it gave us the chance to look for something more supportive that I could get out of more easily. High back to stop those draughts round the neck, and a recliner were high on the list. I checked out several shops, and much of them were the same except for 2 shops. The main issue was that the recliners were almost all manual - they open out quickly enough, but I don't have the leg or arm strength to close them again, meaning I get stuck and make things worse by having to clamber out if I am on my own and the door goes. <br /><br />The winners were <a href="http://www.dfs.co.uk/">DFS</a> who now do an electric reclining range, and they had 3 very comfy ones, and <a href="http://www.ekornes.co.uk/uk/stressless/">Stressless</a>. My husband initially said he refused to pay that much for a sofa, but thankfully they were on sale so stressless it was. I preferred their more robust build and the lumber support that drops away as you lean back. Its been a week now, and its so comfortable that I have easily managed to take a couple of afternoon naps on it and wake up without being in agony - so a big thumbs up for Stressless!Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-86785984267372105592009-11-14T19:36:00.004+00:002009-11-14T19:44:34.421+00:00Chopping Food<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.simplygoodstuff.com/_images/freshchop.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 410px;" src="http://www.simplygoodstuff.com/_images/freshchop.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />OK, so not everything makes life easier. My husband recently broke our "Alligator" onion chopper, so we wanted to get a new one. We thought we would try one of these. Sadly it is probably the hardest thing to use and worse than actually chopping by hand! The thing cant cope with half or even quarter onions, and even if you cut it into eighths, you still have to push it down so many times your wrist gets sore. Unlike the Alligator which did need a push, but thanks to the design you could even use your elbow and just lean on it. We cant send the round one back, but will still be throwing it in the bin, as its just no use at all.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-49994537029354071462009-11-07T21:34:00.004+00:002009-12-24T12:39:39.025+00:00Dreamland electric throw<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31zQWoUpj9L._AA280_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31zQWoUpj9L._AA280_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> OK, so I don't actually have one of these, but its definitely going onto my Christmas wish list. I do get so cold in the winter, but don't want to either waste too much fuel or parboil my dog, so I usually start bringing in the fleeces and throws about this time of year. I used to have a dreamland electric duvet when living in a flat with no central heating. This was so good that it replaced my previous mound of bedding - by mound I mean 2 x 13.5 tog duvets and a smaller 10 tog one on top for good measure. I also use their heat pad and cushion regularly to ease those aches and pains, so the thought of a nice cosy, washable electric throw has got me really excited. If I don't get one, I will be buying one in January for sure!<br /><br />Update: I did get one for my birthday, and its been a resounding success, especially in this cold spell we are having. The dog loves it too - he came in from a freezing rainy walk yesterday evening, and poked it in its pile with his ears down, looking at me, until I put it on my lap for him to warm up on top of. Yes, this is probably aginst the safety warnings, but he's only small and gets off if he starts to get too warm.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-12996671854823911012009-11-04T12:46:00.003+00:002009-11-07T21:44:53.947+00:00Heat Tech Clothing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.uniqlo.co.uk/dynamic/eshop/product_images/thumbnail_cache/160x175/058143_46.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 175px;" src="http://www.uniqlo.co.uk/dynamic/eshop/product_images/thumbnail_cache/160x175/058143_46.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Whats the one thing you need with fibromyalgia? - lots of layers<br /><br />Whats the one thing you don't need? - too much bulk or weight!<br /><br />I am loving the new heat tech clothes from Uniqlo - cheap, cosy and colorful, what more do you need on a bleak day like today.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-71741028845756911002009-07-05T21:22:00.002+01:002009-07-05T21:33:24.107+01:00Coop Card Reader<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/cfscombi/img/Card_Reader_Step1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 74px;" src="http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/cfscombi/img/Card_Reader_Step1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />So many gadgets are there to make our lives easier - but this definitely isn't one of them! My new card reader arrived from the Coop a couple of weeks ago. I am usually very happy with them as a bank, mainly because they have so many access routes, but also because they have never given me any hassle, and have even been known to phone me up when I could be saving money or getting better interest. Yes, they are a rare beast amongst the usual banks.<br /><br />So why o why have they given out the most awkward system for card checking? The screen is dreadful - contrast is awful, figures are tiny, and it isn't backlit so you have to wave it round till you find good lighting! I had to go through the rigmarole of all this several times as I kept reading the numbers wrong, simply to transfer money from my current account to my gold card, so not even an insecure transaction!!!<br /><br />Plus isn't giving away card scanners a good way for forgers to get hold of them? I have two in my house already as my husband also uses the coop and smile - he is expecting one from Smile any day. - Prices on a postcard.....Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-65709414449856015432009-07-03T17:06:00.004+01:002009-07-03T17:16:05.057+01:00Sunning it<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.beansbeans.co.uk/images/products/mainpics/pink-sofa.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 195px;" src="http://www.beansbeans.co.uk/images/products/mainpics/pink-sofa.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Its been so hot lately, that work seems to have suffered for everyone. Those air con units are so bad at work when they overheat, especially if like me you have sealed windows in your office. So the only answer is to hide at home, and then enjoy the evening sun. However, thats not so easy if you cant ever get comfy, so this year I went for a waterproof beanbag. And if its possible to say this of an inanimate, non gadget-like, item - I'm in lurve :)<br /><br />Its very pink, but they had sold out of purple, so whats a girl to do? The best thing though, is actually being able to find comfort, lying on my front in the sun. I like to lie on my front to get the warm rays on my back to ease my aches and pains, and have never been as comfy in this position except on my tempur mattress! I can just fall down and be supported whilst reading or listening to my ipod and just relax for what seems like forever. I highly recommend it. As long as you have someone to help you back up out of it in case you seize up and undo all your good sun bathing...<br /><br />Oh and try not to let the dog lie on top of you either, as that REALLY hurts ;)Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-89071016155471179652009-06-26T23:03:00.001+01:002009-06-26T23:03:41.037+01:00Mobile BloggingThought it was time to blog prone rather than sat up. I went to my iPod touch apps store and carefully read the reviews, downloaded blogwriter, set it up and watched it bomb :(<br /><br />Not to be deterred, although sulking that I bought the full version of the above, I then bought another software blogpress and so far so good. I don't like the tiny times roman font so shall have to try to improve that, but now to see if it posts....<br /><br />-- Posted From My iPod Touch<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-37804936300663572172009-06-23T14:43:00.003+01:002009-06-23T16:10:21.639+01:00A cute laptop trolley bag<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.travelbagage.com/image.php?id=745&type=P"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.travelbagage.com/image.php?id=745&type=P" border="0" alt="" /></a> It may not look it from the photo, but this is actually a very nice looking laptop bag. After giving up taking even my UMPC into work as it weighed too much I started to look for a trolley bag, but the UK offerings were either hideous, manly or way too expensive! I waited until l I got to the airport and found the cutest one I have seen, for about £100. Admittedly this isn't cheap, but no back pain and style at the same time aren't easy to find, so I thought I would show it to you anyway. I have linked the pic to the only place I could find it, their site being down, lets hope this sort of thing starts to reach our own shores very soon.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-32206930733137720132009-06-22T21:34:00.002+01:002009-06-22T21:37:23.059+01:00Windows 7 - my god it works!After trying every system going on my Samsung Q1, I have now got the beta of windows 7 on there, and by jove I can finally use it for what was intended. My handwriting to text is in time with my strokes, the videos play without juddering, and even start up is relatively quick and painless.<br /><br />I just wonder what lies under the lid of my current feeling of glee, and fear if the OS is fine, the price wont be!<br /><br />Ho Hum....Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-44963087566166525512009-06-22T14:57:00.002+01:002009-06-22T15:05:42.048+01:00Airports!Just back from a trip to Amsterdam, leaving from Bristol so thought would do a quick comparison on the two airports. <br /><br />Wi-fi - Quick and easy to log into a pay per minute system at Amsterdam, but at Bristol you had to go to a corner with PC's where there seemed to be a seat in front of every one. A1, B0<br /><br />Wheelchair availability - Both you have to go in a way, but despite a couple of hitches both got a chair in good time, but at Amsterdam you couldn't get it till you had checked in, so don't try if you haven't got electronic booking from your provider or you wont get any shopping time. A0 B1<br /><br />Lift to planes - Bristol won hands down for taking my husband and my friend, Amsterdam expects you to go it alone. A0 B1<br /><br />Food - a bit unfair as Bristol is so much smaller, but still a goof offering, so one all this time.<br /><br />Toilets - both were clean and easy to find, so again a draw on this one.<br /><br />Passport Control - Bristol have managed to put a barrier in the way of the disabled access so you get pushed into the queue a get tutted loads, amsterdam fast tracks you via the crew lines - A1, B0<br /><br />All in all therefore its a draw on the main points for me, but you have been warned!Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-91685116768587279992009-05-12T08:56:00.003+01:002009-05-12T11:43:35.681+01:00Reading on an ipod touch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:hmpGVRpubsK1kM:http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/ipod-touch-5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 109px;" src="http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:hmpGVRpubsK1kM:http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/ipod-touch-5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The ipod touch, is still the best toy around as far as my peer group sees it - small, pretty, and an awesome interface. But what I find it most useful for is reading ebooks at night. The screen is lovely to read on, with a good range of text sizes on ereader and stanza, the two most popular apps on the itunes site. But the fact that it is so light and backlit are the main plusses for me - I can read happily through a sleepless night without disturbing my hubby, or even listen to an audio book if my shoulders are really painful. Having said that, most mobile phones do the same thing, so its worth looking around to see what might be the best one for your pocket.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-8379290565561632852009-05-12T08:42:00.003+01:002009-05-12T09:05:52.880+01:00Knitting for Neuropathy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.knitrowan.com/yarn-image/big/group%20shot.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 163px; height: 125px;" src="http://www.knitrowan.com/yarn-image/big/group%20shot.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Neuropathy in your hands makes working difficult. I am lucky that I work with computers, so can mostly keep going, but found that my hands were getting worse and worse. It became a choice between my hands or my job. In desperation I thought about something light that would move my hands in the opposite way to the keyboard and came up with knitting. Success, and resoundingly so! I find that doing at least an hours knitting every day keeps my hands going for work. I have fallen in love with <a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/yarn-image/big/group%20shot.jpg">Rowan</a> wools for several reasons: The wools are lovely, and they even do ranges of natural and organic dyes, not just natural fibres that are so important for temperature control when your nerves are sending back random signals. The patterns are lovely - yes they do some baby and "classic" knit patterns, but their studio range in particular is fantastic for the latest styles, and as I am knitting, I am not limited to the 2 colours that the high street deems in this year. Because I am knitting them myself, although I go for the top end wool, the jumpers are still a fraction of what you would pay for a finished garment in the shops. Finally and most importantly, the knitting takes my mind off of my pain just enough to allow me to sit in comfort and watch the telly of an evening. Who knows - it may just work for you too...Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-17657086045650553582009-05-07T15:19:00.002+01:002009-05-07T15:50:02.171+01:00The Healthy Back Bag<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thehealthybackbag.co.uk/Images/ProductCategories/bagletts-microfibre.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 99px; height: 149px;" src="http://www.thehealthybackbag.co.uk/Images/ProductCategories/bagletts-microfibre.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> Now the weather is warmer, I felt it was time to update my bag collection and consider something lighter than waterproof leather. I have tried almost every bag style going, and need something I can change shoulder or even use no shoulders if my fibro is getting really bad. On looking around I found these bags, and decide to go for not just one of the normal bags, but one of the little bagletts too (pictured).<br /><br />They arrived in two days, and after a rage about the (in)accessibility of our new sorting office, I gleefully started transferring all my stuff and then tried it for size. Its very stiff to adjust the belt, probably because I got a suede look bag so the surface is quite rough, but the strap has a textured grip layer underneath which is a great idea as you dont shrug your shoulder to keep it on if you just fling it over for a short hop. For a longer journey, I wear it across my body, and at first it felt very strange as it does actually feel as if the weight is all down your back. My shoulders felt very little effort, and I could definitely feel weight in the small of my back - odd but much more comfortable than usual. The baglett I am using like a large purse for cards, cash, drugs and a pen and some lippie. It will just about fit a cheque book, so is a decent size, and is great to take out of the larger bag for popping into town at lunchtime, leaving my bigger bag at my desk. I may just have to get a leather one too when the rainy winter weather returns....!Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-50151922234118707202009-05-07T15:08:00.004+01:002009-05-07T15:59:07.756+01:00Yay, Comfortable Jeans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.charlesvermont.co.uk/tummy_tuck_jeans/img_girl_curves.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 492px;" src="http://www.charlesvermont.co.uk/tummy_tuck_jeans/img_girl_curves.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I haven't worn jeans for years now, and was starting to really miss them, however they always made my neuropathy worse so I didn't dare. Then I came across these jeans a while ago on a website, and started to wonder if they might work. They are supposed to be really stretchy and you get them in a size or two down from normal to pull you in. However this led me to believe they might be stretchy enough that I could wear them in my normal size in actual comfort, but still didn't want to speed that much money on a pair of jeans unseen.<br /><br />Then just yesterday, I saw a sign for them in Wardrobe in Marlborough, Wiltshire, and couldn't resist going back. The shop was small yet friendly, and I explained my thoughts, and unsurprisingly they offered me the chance to try them on, piling me up with 4 different pairs; light blue, indigo, charcoal, and blue with sparkly bits on the back. The first pair I put on, I fell in love with. The old buttery feel of jeans sliding on, with - wait for it - a waistband that stretched almost as much as my favorite puma joggers! Admittedly the zip was a bit stiff, and I had to breathe in the do them up, but once closed they were just so comfortable. I am told they will be even more stretchy on as the lycra gives more as it warms up, so I am at last off on holiday with a pair of jeans despite my aching nerves :)Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185398312405903601.post-30827882798789114412009-03-22T10:57:00.003+00:002009-03-22T11:02:22.757+00:00A new Mouse?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.posturite.co.uk/public/pictures/products/thumbs/4401101_B.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 94px; height: 94px;" src="http://www.posturite.co.uk/public/pictures/products/thumbs/4401101_B.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I find I can no longer use a "normal" mouse - too much movement on my shoulder out to the side, really flares up my fibromyalgia in my neck and back. However my work means that a trackball is no good either - not enough accuracy and speed unless you spend a fortune! So heres the compromise I found - a rolling bar that can be clicked down and used by either hand. Its worth it just to see the look on the faces of people who try to jump on my PC :)Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536145363919382083noreply@blogger.com0