3 of my Favorite Things

There are a few items that I use each day that I can’t imagine being without. And none of them have anything to do with electronic or computer equipment. Here are three of my favorite things:

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Ghurka Wallet – I originally purchased this wallet at Nordstrom for Kim about 7 years ago, and took it over from her when she wanted a larger wallet. It’s the perfect shape and size, and the leather feels as good today as it did when I bought it. The craftsmanship is impeccable. Not a single stitch has come loose. Ghurka also uses leather throughout rather than cutting corners by using cheap fabric on the inside lower pockets and bill separator.

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Maui Jim Sunglasses – I’ve owned a number of different sunglasses before a friend told me about Maui Jim. About four years ago I went looking for a new pair of sunglasses and found a shop that carried a number of brands. The sales clerk let me take 4 or 5 pairs outside the shop to test in the sun. When I tried on the Maui Jim pair I was sold. The lenses really are a substantial improvement over anything else I’ve tried. They are not cheap, but mine have lasted four years now and I like them as much today as the day I bought them.

tumi.jpg Tumi Laptop Bag – This bag goes everywhere I go. It’s made of nearly indestructible ballistic nylon which makes it but easy to clean. It has four smaller compartments on the front that make storing and retrieving my wallet, sunglasses, iPod and checkbook a cinch. The main compartment is separated by a padded wall that keeps my laptop safe and snug. Everything on the bag is made of quality materials such as the zippers, leather handles and padded shoulder strap. This is the first product from Tumi I’ve owned and I’ve been very impressed.

All three of these items costs a bit more than their competitors. But each has held up well over time and should last me for years to come.

w.bloggar

I’ve been looking for a good WordPress editor. A friend of mine told me about Windows Live Writer which I tried to install tonight. For some reason it appears to install but I can’t find the program. Not off to a good start there. A while back to tried wbloggar but gave it up after a while. I’m going to try it again for a few days and see how I like it.

I’ve tried a few different plugins that add functionality to the WordPress editor but they all loaded so slowly. I don’t want to take a substantial performance hit just to update my blog.

We’ll see how this goes.

Do these vans get good gas mileage?

Do you remember the first Home Alone movie where the neighbor boy named Mitch Murphy comes over to pester the guy in the van who is getting ready to take Kevin and his family to the airport?

Mitch Murphy: “I live across the street. You guys going out of town? We’re going to Orlando, Florida. Well, actually, first we’re going to Missouri to pick up my grandma. Did you know the McCallisters are going to France? Do you know if it’s cold there? Do these vans get good gas mileage?”

It’s the last question the makes the scene work and it’s that question that reminded me of my son, Lincoln, as I was trying to get ready for church this morning. He was peppering me with all sorts of random questions such as, “When I get home from church can I be the first to play the little Nintendo?”

Lincoln is an inquisitive kid. But he doesn’t like vague or general answers to his question. When he asks when Grandpa is coming to visit, our other kids will accept an answer of “In about two weeks”. But not Lincoln. He wants to know the exact day of the week and time. And he will continue to ask questions until he gets a satisfactory answer.

Remind me to set aside more time next week to get ready for church.

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