User ID and Password Frustration

Some days I just want to scream when asked for a User ID and Password.  It's impossible to stick with just one combination.  Either a site wants a a specific code, a certain amount of letters and/or numbers; or there's been suspicious activity, which means a completely new combination has to be created; or my User ID of choice has already been taken.  The more I use the Internet, the more frustrating this issue gets.

The irony is that User IDs and Passwords aren't even fail safe.  I had my ebay account hacked so often that I closed my auction business.  My ATM card's Password has been stolen twice and I don't even use it online.  And, recently, I had to change the password to mom's checking account due to suspicious activity.

I look forward to the day when User IDs and Passwords are replaced with voice or thumbprint reconnection.  Until then, a tracking app would be great.  Does anyone know of such a thing?

The Stress of Having Senior Parents

This morning I did two hours of yard work before I got nauseous from the heat.  I honestly didn't think it was too hot until I began sweating and feeling ill.  It's easy to see how the elderly can get overheated without much warning.

Dad is 80 years old and has a heart condition.  But he still cleans the house and does his own lawn care.  Dad does seem to tolerate the heat better than me, but I'm still always worried about him overdoing it.  If dad passed before mom, I doubt I would ever fully recover. Yet there are times when I think dad hopes that will happen, so he doesn't have to mourn his wife's passing.

I never expected that the last stage of life for either of my parents would be so stressful. And no matter how long it continues, especially with regard to mom, it doesn't get any easier.

"The Thrill of the Grill"

I've watched enough cooking shows to know that the quickest way to grill a whole chicken is to flatten it out.  So I did my research and, today, spatchcocked a chicken.  A year ago, there was no way I was ever going to cut a backbone out of a chicken and crack its breast bone.  I had no desire to handle a raw chicken that much.  But I've become a more adventurous cook and, recently, been doing more grilling.

Last week I grilled a turkey breast for the first time.  I'm working my way through our two freezers before the meat gets too old.  But I don't want to heat up the kitchen.  With my Weber Performer, I've learned it's easy to cook something as large as a turkey breast.  It just takes more time and charcoal than hamburgers or pork steaks.

The Weber Performer is such a clever invention.  A small propane tank quickly ignites the charcoals, so there's great charcoal flavor without distasteful lighter fluid taste.  It's been a great purchase.  Without it, I definitely would not be enjoying "the thrill of the grill."

Deciding on an eReader

After extensive research, I ordered an eReader today.  I chose the Kindle because it got the best reviews.  Plus, after my recent success with Rewards Programs, I got an Amazon Visa and saved $40.  Since I place an Amazon order at least once a week, it was really a no-brainer.  I'll now get two points for every dollar spent, which will add up to Amazon gift certificates.

For me, the best feature of the Kindle is the Amazon Whispernet technology.  With the free Kindle app, Amazon Whispernet will keep my digital books, including my bookmarks, available on my iPad, iPhone, and Kindle.  In other words, if I find myself eating alone in a restaurant or waiting in a doctor's office, I can pick up a book where I left off, using whatever tool I have with me.  Amazing!

But the main reason I decided to get an e-reader was because of the no-glare screen.  We're going on two beach vacations this summer, so I'll be using it a lot in full sun.  And the eReader will take up much less space in my carryon than 2-3 paperbacks.  Plus, honestly, how cool will grandma look with an eReader!