Warmth from Below
It’s been so tough for me to warm up today! As soon as I got to work this morning, I turned on my space heater that I keep under my desk. My office is always chilly… even in the summer months (too much AC)! I’m drinking some English Breakfast tea as I type, so with the combination of hot tea and the space heater, I’m finally feeling warm. It’s going to be a looonnngg winter, huh!?!
I definitely missed my extra scoop of Barney Butter in my oats this morning. Around 11:00, my stomach began to grumble like mad, but my lunch meeting wasn’t for another hour and a half, so I munched on an apple to keep it quiet. Apples picked right off the tree are divine! They have SO MUCH FLAVOR!
I had a lunchtime meeting with a number of Harvard faculty this afternoon, so, of course, we were spoiled with a delicious spread of food. Today’s “healthy plate” included grilled swordfish with a mango-pineapple salsa, brown rice and barley mixed with raisins, and garlic sauteed kale with onions. 
Lunch was awe-some! I love that it was a gourmet selection of healthy foods! I wish I could eat like this everyday! I also ate a whole wheat roll with lunch (not pictured).
Afternoon Snacks
I’m working at Healthworks tonight, which means I won’t arrive home until about 9:00 pm. This also means that I won’t be able to eat dinner until much later, soooo my plan is to schedule in a few different snacks to keep my stomach satisfied until later tonight.
First up: a Cashew Cookie Larabar. This flavor is moving up the ranks in my book! 
My “late afternoon” snack is a blueberry Stonyfield yogurt with some fiber sticks. I’m also thinking about adding a scoop of Teddie Peanut Butter for some extra protein, fat, and staying-power. Is it weird that I hate being hungry?
Laptop Recommendations
So, I haven’t bought a computer since I went off to college in 1998… sadly, I am not kidding. The laptop that I purchased was great; it survived all 4 years of college and 2 years of grad school, but since then, I’ve basically used my work computer as my personal computer. I realize that this is not good, but luckily I’ve had jobs where this wasn’t something that was closely monitored.
Currently, I am sharing Mal’s computer with him, which is mostly fine and dandy. However, his career (as a teacher) requires him to use his computer quite frequently, which is a challenge for me when I want to blog. It’s not a big deal, but it would be much easier if I had my own computer. I’ve been saving money for a few months now with the hope of buying myself my very own blogerific laptop, which sounds great and wonderful, but I have no clue where to start!
Like I previously mentioned, I haven’t bought a computer since the late 90’s, and obviously, computers are just a tad bit different now! I’m looking for a “basic” laptop (PC or Mac) with wireless capabilities and a decent amount of memory; I really don’t need anything fancy-schmancy. Ideally, its size would be small-ish and easily transportable, so I can blog on my commute or when I am on the road. Does anyone have a laptop that they just love? Or even a brand of computer that they highly recommend? Both Mal and I have already done some internet research and narrowed the field, but there are still so many choices! I think I just need to be pointed in the right direction! Thanks in advance for your recommendations!
Posted by: Tina 45 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
That lunch looks so delicious and healthy! Yum.
As to your question, I have a Dell XPS, and it’s been a pretty good computer for me for the past few years. I really want to get a Mac soon, but I’ve never had one before, so I don’t know enough about them yet to recommend them.
Good luck with your search!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I was a desktop PC user in high school, but I got the basic Macbook laptop when I went off to college and I LOVE it! It is fast, intuitive to use, and most importantly small and very lightweight. If you’re going to be carrying it around, this will be very important. PC laptops are huge and clunky compared to Macs. PCs are also much more virus-prone, and I’ve never had an kind of virus problem with my Mac.
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I was a Dell girl for years, and my hubby is a Mac guy. He convinced me to get a MacBook – just the basic one – almost two years ago and it’s been great! It took a little getting used to, but now I love it. It’s so much more user friendly than PCs – I hate it when I have to use the PC at work sometimes. Apple just came out with new MacBooks last week, and the basic, entry level one should be just fine.
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I have an HP and I love it! If you are willing to spend a little extra money, I would say go for the Mac though. From what my friends say they are awesome…maybe for my next computer!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I also love my macbook and had an ibook before that…Mac is definitely the way to go! Your lunch looks divine! mmmm
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I’m going to echo what other people have already said. I had a Dell for all 4 years of college and it just died a few months ago. Even though I have a Dell for work, my boyfriend convinced me to get the most basic MacBook and I really love it! It is really user-friendly, and fun and cute
I don’t do much more than upload my pictures, manage my itunes and surf the internet, but I love it!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Go with a Dell.
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
i love my macbook!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
hard to say about the computers… i don’t really want to switch from pc to mac just because i’m so set in my PC ways.. but it is tempting to make my next comp a macbook (my dell laptop from 2002 college entry also JUST died this year, so i bring my work laptop home with me most of the time). my sister and her husband got an ACER– which they really like– it is easy and affordable and they did some research on what to buy, so that would be my best recommendation not really knowing anything myself
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
My fiance insisted I buy a mac when I was looking for a new laptop last year. I am really glad I listened to him! I have definitely been a “PC” my whole life but the Mac is really great and very user friendly. The Apple store customer service is great and I live in NYC. The newest Macbook has just come out and it looks amazing! Not to mention, I love being able to video chat my friends and families with Macs as well! Good luck
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Macbook Pro all the way!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Hi Tina! Long time reader – first time writer (commenter?)!
Get a macbook air for sure!! They are awesome – perfect for what you need (i.e. easily transportable *light* and a great price). Mac’s are awesome!! The switch from PC to mac is so easy (I did it during grad school and loved it!).
Also, that lunch looks amazing!
Kay
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I love my Macbook. I have the Macbook Pro but previously I had a regular macbook and it was just as wonderful. They can be a bit more expensive but I think they’re worth it when you consider how they don’t need virus protection and are so user friendly. Plus you can still get Microsoft Office for it if you want. The Apple Store has amazing customer service. You just take it to the “genius bar” if you ever have a problem and they take care of it. Just make sure you get Applecare if you buy one. It extends the warranty to three years. I find the battery to last quite a while and really just love everything about my computer.
I played with the new macbook at the store the other day. It’s awesome and very environmentally friendly!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
YUM TO EVERYTHING!!! Especially my beloved Larabar
**I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE MACBOOK AIR!!! I LOVE MINE!!!**
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I really love my MacBook!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I love my mac. At the beginning I wasn’t sure whether I’ll be able to manage a completely new system. But after my first try and learn few things, I just love it! It makes everything simpler and of course, mac’s visual images are just stunning!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
apparently all of us are mac fans!!!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I have a macbook and i ADORE it. I used to be a PC girl but I will NEVER go back. Join the ranks!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
coco,
I know! I wasn’t planning to spend so much on a computer, but now I am seriously considering a Mac. Mal is a die-hard Mac user, so honestly, I don’t think he would have let me buy a PC anyway!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
MAC MAC MAC!!! So worth it.
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I just got a pink, yes PINK sony vaio and I absolutely LOVE it, its perfect weight, fits all of my needs and fairly inexpensive!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
MacBook all the way Tina. Its the only way to go.
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
I have a Mac and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It is so awesome. My boyfriend and I both switched over to Macs almost a year ago and it was definitely the best $1400 I’ve ever spent. I wouldn’t ever ever go back. They’re so good for photos and music and they NEVER crash, and when a program freezes (which they almost never do), you can actually force the program to quit unlike in windows where “end program” usually does nothing. Go for a Mac!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I need to get that sort of food here for work things!! I too have a little space heater under my desk…I’m always cold. Good luck with the comp search, I’ll be interested to see what everyone reccommends.
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
My HP laptop has been having major overheating problems lately so I actually went laptop window shopping this weekend. My husband is a geek so that helps
Sadly my HP is less than 3 years old and it’s been having problems through its life. It had really great specs (according to my husband) but I would never buy an HP again, despite the fact that they are the cheapest. I hear very high ratings of the new 13″ MacBook although it’s $1300. I checked it out this weekend and it’s very pretty (I’m such a girl!). I’ve always used PCs but every Mac user says it takes just a few days to get used to a Mac and you’d never want to go back and that it’s totally worth the $s (sounds like Mal is one of those). I’m saving up for a Mac now…
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Don’t get HP, they have faulty wireless cards :-/
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
love love love my macbook. could never go back to a PC.
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
the cashew larabar is my number #1!! i adore cashews.
i use a dynabook laptop but honestly i wouldn’t know whether to recommend it or not – it’s great, works fine and is fast at doing most things, but i’m completely not sussed when it comes to modern technology!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
What an awesome lunch at work–everything sounds delicious! Nice snacks too
Personally, I love my HP…its sleek and stylish yet very capable of everything I need it for!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I hear you on the chilly weather. I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand I love hibernating and baking, but on the other I miss being outside without shivering.
I concur with the MacBook love. I’m on my third mac and absolutely love it and would never go back to a PC. I find the user interface to be so intuitive and I love how many programs come standard on it. I’ve never had a problem with viruses and the genius bar is fantastic. They’ve helped me out with so many computer issues. Plus like the others, I love how “cute” it is. Before you buy a computer, mac or pc, I would see if you’re eligible for any discounts because of your employer. I know Mac has fantastic educational discounts that I enjoyed when in college and my sister now enjoys as a teacher. Even if you’re not eligible I am sure Mal is because of his teacher status. BTW…teachers also get a discount at J Crew with their id.
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I also vote Mac … go for the MacBook Pro…faster and more memory!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I am in the tech field so I’d like to consider my opinion to be somewhat knowledgeable. To be perfectly honest, there really isn’t much difference in the different brands of laptops. Truth be told, most laptops are made of the exact same components with different casing. This is also true for Apple.
My recommendation comes down to a price bracket and feature list rather than a brand listing. Pick the features that you want and set a budget. Then bookmark www dot slickdeals dot net (make sure you use .net) and watch their site daily for laptop deals that show up. You will frequently find a excellent laptop for under $500, many times under $400.
This of course is if you wanted to go with a PC. For Apple, my recommendation would be to just purchase it from the Apple site. Occasionally they offer a iPod type of promotion, but they are few and far between.
I don’t want to start any sort of PC vs Apple discussion so I will leave that choice up to you. However brand wise, they really are more or less the same. This is my first post (I am a new reader), love the site. Keep up the good work! – Regards, Jason @ ParentNap
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I just always order Dell……..they have great customer service which is helpful for someone who knows nothing about technology, like myself.
I remember you did an interview with the starbucks nutritionist and always use their honey packets. Any idea how many calories and grams of sugar each packet has? Also, I how much do each chobani yogurt cost. On net grocer is lists them as $2.15 each! I am not sure if that is a markup b/c its an online grocery.
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
As a fellow blogger I would suggest looking at the MacBook as well. All the processes involved with blogging flow much more smoothly – downloading photos, photo editing, uploading, etc. I got mine in grad school as well. And if you have a teacher or student in the family you could get a significant discount.
But, if you already have invested in a lot of Windows software (photoshop, office, etc) you want to factor that into your decision.
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
I agree with the Macbook recommendation. I recently had a Toshiba which lasted for 4 years, but I LOVE my Macbook. It is so easy to transport (tiny size and lightweight,) and has a built in camera which would come in handy for times when you don’t have your camera but want a quick pic for your blog. I got all of my Office and EndNote software from work (since I occasionally use my Macbook for work, it’s considered “ok” in the policy) which saved me a good $350. Plus, my husband loves using the video editing software on my Mac. It has been SO reliable thus far. I bought it for school, too, so I got a free iPod touch with it!!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
[...] Random Feed wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptIt’s been so tough for me to warm up today! As soon as I got to work this morning, I turned on my space heater that I keep under my desk. My office is always chilly… even in the summer months (too much AC)! I’m drinking some English Breakfast tea as I type, so with the combination of hot tea and the space heater, I’m finally feeling warm. It’s going to be a looonnngg winter, huh!?! I definitely missed my extra scoop of Barney Butter in my oats this morning. Around 11:00, my stomach began to gr [...]
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
You HAVE TO GET A MAC. No question about it. By buying a Mac (which is only a little more expensive than a cheap PC laptop), you get style, lightweight/portability, very nice user interface, a lot less viruses (-99% from my experience) which leads to less worries/headaches/stress, higher productivity, and a better work/life experience. That, itself, is worth the extra $100-$200!
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I use a MacBook Pro-and everybody in my family has been using Macs for about 2-3 years now. All I have to say is Once you go Mac, you can’t go back! You can guarentee with any Apple Product you purchase you will get the highest end item for looks and power! (gigahertz and all that) The support system is also amazing. I mean AMAZING! I say go Apple and go with a Mac…bookpro or just regular book. They are wonderful and so easy to use! Let us know what you decide!!
(I wouild go with the macbook regular, not the pro if you are looking for something easy on the go!!!!the pro is wonderful dont get me wrong but it can be a bit long and hard to travel with at times)
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I am a devoted Mac user. I’ve tried Dell but hated how many pop-ups I got plus I didn’t like firewall. I currently own a macbook pro and it is the best computer i’ve ever owned! Macs are super easy to use and hardly ever get viruses. Also, when you first purchase your mac, you can get free lessons on how to use it at any apple store. The only real problem I have with Macs is that a lot of companies still don’t cater to mac users. For example, I just bought netflix and I can’t watch their online movies.
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I just bought a laptop in January and chose the HP Pavilion DV2500T notebook. I LOVE it. It’s sleek and fast. Not the lightest out there, but not heavy either. It was $200 cheaper than the comparable Dell with all the same specs.
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
MACBOOK AIR! OMG AMAAAZING… Once you go Mac you never go back… Has some1 already been lame with that quote? If not, yay!
hehe GET A MAC, TRINA, GET IT <3
on Oct 20th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Whatever you do, do NOT get a Dell! As a college student, I’ve seen just about every laptop there is on the market and let me tell you, every single person that I know with a Dell has had a major problem (one of my friends’ actually caught fire!) I highly recommend a Mac, specifically the new Macbooks, they’re incredible (and pretty)! But, if you must get a PC, go with HP, they put out some high quality products with a long life and their customer service is fantastic.
on Oct 21st, 2008 at 12:10 am
agree…no dell.
I had so many problems with mine and the guys at the geekssquad in best buy will tell you that they give you the most problems.
Mac is amazing and next to it…HP. My uncle totally persuaded me to try this type of laptop and I have had no troubles with it. He works for HP so he gave me all the info…HP= stress free.
Hope that helps!!!
on Oct 21st, 2008 at 10:57 am
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! They are MUCH appreciated!
Looks like I will be getting a Mac!
on Nov 10th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Macbook! (Just had to add my two cents!)