Temporarily Out of Order

So this happened to my computer last week, forcing a temporary hiatus from all things technological. It's since gotten much worse. The crack now reaches almost completely across the screen and the (dramatic) white space at the bottom is widening by the day. I suppose I could have gotten it fixed, but I don't know how much it would cost for parts and labor on a cracked screen and I didn't really care to do the required research. Considering the damn machine is over 3 years old, the 80 GB hard drive is completely full and it's been running like molasses recently anyway, I decided to break the bank and just get a new one. So here I am, waiting for my shiny new (Cherry Red) toy for who knows how long...hopefully I'll have it by next weekend. If not, I might be going nuts.

In a way, getting me away from the computer for two weeks is probably is a good thing, but the waiting process is a little excruciating. I even went to the gym today...on purpose! I mean, c'mon! It's amazing how addicted I've become to my laptop, phone, camera and iPod. It would be hard for me to truly live without any of those things for an extended amount of time. My name is Alissa, and I have a problem.

Inspired by all of the recent techy conferences and weight loss New Years resolutions

So after initially wanting a pedometer and never getting one, signing up for SparkPeople and only using it for a couple of weeks, getting a WiiFit and immediately not being able to use it (due to injury and resulting lack of balance), I've decided I need another motivational fitness gadget. I may or may not get it, but here it is in all its glory:

I had never heard of BodyBugg or GoWear Fit before this week, when the former was mentioned on The Biggest Loser, but I've been eyeing the FitBit for a few months now. After seeing the price of the others ($200-$250 and an additional fee of roughly $100/year to use their website and track your progress), I'm starting to think that $99 is probably the best deal I'll ever find (no additional fees for using the website either, apparently).

They say they'll start shipping them sometime in early 2009 and there will be a limited number. Part of me is tempted to order one now to ensure I'll get one when they do come out. The other part of me wants to see what others have to say about it before I actually throw the money down. In the end, $99 is not a ton, but I'd rather not waste it.

I don't really even need it, if I'm honest. I want to be in slightly better shape, yes, but I can do that on my own if I put my mind to it. I'm just hoping something like this will provide that little extra push? Decisions, decisions...

Kinda ranty.

I have small bone to pick with Top Chef. WHY, oh why would you eliminate a person who stepped out of their comfort zone to make something that they've never tried before over a person who took the safe route and made something they make every day at their restaurant, and still could not make it well?

Ok, ostrich egg anything sounds gross to me, and sure, it was probably terrible judging by the reactions of the judges when they took a bite, but Padma SPIT OUT the lemon meringue dessert thingy!!! C'mon now! I don't know her name and am too lazy to look it up, but she is obviously terrible. Wasn't she in the bottom last week as well? Is she going to be the next Lisa, skating by all season and making it into the final three?

She is older and should be wiser and more experienced. I have seen nothing spectacular or dynamic about her and she obviously doesn't know how to cook so get her off of my TV already!

Ok, that's all. Other than that, I still love the bloody show.

Since my last post I have bought two dresses, a 5-piece suitcase set, all of the toiletries I need for my trip, and all I have left to do is pack, buy cat food, and get to sleep early tonight (which is always my intention, but rarely pans out as planned).

In other news, my boyfriend bought a new 42" TV to play his video games on, which should be waiting for us when we get back from Florida (well, the Monday after anyway). This means I will be able to have control over the smaller TV, which is hooked up to the DVR/cable and the Wii, so I can play hours upon hours of Animal Crossing. Small victories. ;)

Technically both televisions are his, but I'm poor and he's not, so...you know. Besides, my next substantial purchase will hopefully be a Mac. One of the huge desktop ones. Sometimes size matters. It will probably have to wait until after the holidays and maybe after Valentine's Day, but it WILL happen.

Off to get some lunch now since I was running late and didn't have time to make one. Florida tomorrow!

A good day to shop.

So Jon is off to Greenbuild in Boston and I am alone in the apartment for the next 3 nights. Luckily, I have a ton to do before my trip to Florida on Friday.

Tonight - Shop for dress to wear to wedding (which also has to work for my office Christmas party because I don't want to have to buy another and I can't wear the same one as last year now, can I)?

Tomorrow - Shop for luggage. When I moved to Chicago, I threw out my trusty suitcase (which was a hand-me-down from a friend anyway, so it was in shabby, not so chic, shape) that had traveled with me in the past, so I need to find one or all I will be bringing with me to Florida is what I can carry in my arms.

Thursday - Pack and hopefully get to bed early. Buy cat food and make sure Tia has everything she needs for the week. Jon is nervous about leaving her home alone, but seriously, I think she prefers when the humans are away.

At some point, I'd like to fit in a little Animal Crossing before I go away, since I just got it last night. There will also be many phone conversations with the boyfriend, hopefully, since I am a sap and will miss him a ton. So there ya go, blog post and to-do list all in one! I can multi-task!

Lunch time = OVA! Back to work...