Big Dan's Corner

Today I spent most of my time packing up my computer. What hassle this was, the tower itself was super easy. The monitor however was a major pain. I couldn’t get the stand off the LCD, even after reading the manual online several times. Finally, after reading the manual several a million times, I realized that I have a different stand other than the one they were talking about. The stand I have is supposed to fold down and use ‘packing straps’ to hold the hinge in place. I didn’t save the packing straps, the instructions didn’t tell me to.. Mom got home and we used rubber bands and a old wire to tie down the base, that worked but it still wouldn’t fit in the freakin’ box!! Grrr!! It almost fits but the hinge is preventing it from closing. We figured when it’s time to ship mom will take it the UPS store and have them figure it out. We probably just need a bigger box, it’s not being shipped for another few weeks anyhow.

I also put all my paperwork in order and as we speak am charging my MP3 player. My laptop bag is completely packed except for the laptop which I’m typing on now. Half my clothes that I’m taking with me are packed in my large suitcase. I switched out my large carry-on and opted for a bookbag as I’m just carrying some snacks and small stuff in that. Mom did a little shopping for me today, I got beef jerky, trail mix and a few bottles of water. It’s 24 hour train ride so I need something; there is a dining car but I imagine it’s just like an airline $5 for a coke.. No way am I paying those prices.

Other than that I found out I have to buy a router at my friends house. I thought his DSL modem had a router + wireless built in but it doesn’t have either. I would have survived with a wired connection for a while.. There goes another $50 down the drain.

Hopefully the train stops and lets people off to smoke at each stop as I still haven’t quit. I know Jersey Transit used to but I’ve never been on Amtrak plus after 9/11 I’m sure trains are stricter about people jumping on and off.

I couldn’t sleep at all last night, I guess I’m getting a bit nervous this is a big change for me plus I worry about Amtrak’s track record as far as crashing goes.. I wound up falling asleep at 6:30 AM and woke up at 11. After I publish this post, I’m going to take little nap, this evening I have to go hook up my neighbors new TV, her old one bit the dust. Hopefully I’ll get to bed a little earlier tonight as tomorrow is mothers day and I’d really like to make mom a nice breakfast. For dinner I’ll be doing chicken Parm, with my sisters help. It should be a nice day, I picked mom up a nice card and an outfit, hope she likes it.