One would think that in today's connected world of the internet, all information should be readily available. What if one is planning a specific vacation? For eg, let's take my vacation to Alaska this past year. I had been to Alaska before but I wanted to do Alaska on a small boat. Well, I searched small boat Alaska and came up with a few companies online. On continuing the search, I ended up on a post that had the best small boat cruises to Alaska. It had a list of several companies. I don't think there was any other information other than the names of the companies. There was a comment on that post that included more companies and I added those companies to my list and after all that I was able to begin my search. I called/looked up online each company and asked for maximum passengers and cost and itinerary and finally I was able to narrow it all down. I was actually going to write a full blog about it, the companies and the reason for my final choice. I felt the amount of time I spent could benefit someone else but as time went on, I got busy (story of my life) and somehow I felt that my blog would not be relevant any longer and I threw away my Alaska notes. Then we get to today. I search another travel journey and I wish there was a broken down blog about all elements of the journey. What websites are travel agents? What websites are official city websites? Oh yes. When I searched my Alaska cruise, there was a company that was a travel agent selling for one of the other boats on my list. So, they didn't have their own boat or cruise company and it's frustrating.
I feel that maybe I should keep my notes and maybe I should take the time/effort to type up a blog about decisions on traveling to certain locations. Why did I pick the company I picked? What was the cost? What was the cost differential between the different companies. Who offers what? It might make life easier. Then again, I feel it's the seasoned traveller who has this information but has not had the time to write it down and it's all a part of the journey of being that seasoned traveller. Or maybe not.
For now, as I fumble through my research, I think I should keep a notebook. That way, it's not notes that get thrown out. It's always available for a blog for a future date. Hmmm. I like the idea.
For those of you who are thinking the word "trip advisor", well, sure. I'm on it. I look through it and I do get great reviews about sites to see and hotels. I do feel trip advisor has become more commercial in the past few years. It's become more a site to book hotels than the journey of planning travel and the options for such travel. Or maybe I'm old, and am not able to navigate what I'm looking for fluidly on that site?
Anyway, I have to run now. Just thought I would throw my travel conundrum out there. Best to you all,
TTR
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Paying for a digital book
Most of you know that I want to be author someday. This post is not about what it takes to be an author and all that, but let's fast forward. Let's say there's a book that is published. Of course, a person who wants to read this book has to pay money to buy the book or buy the digital copy. Why not? Should not the artist/author get paid for his/her talents and efforts. I have no problem with that. When the book sales go high because the book is amazing, the pay should be equally amazing.
Here's my contention: What if someone pays for the physical book. Do they still need to pay for a digital copy of that same book? I feel no. After all, it's the SAME book and the person has already paid for it. Asking them to pay twice and a second time (a digital copy) is double dipping. Besides, what's the cost for a digital copy? It's not like printing costs. I can see adding a cost to purchase the book when one has already purchased the digital copy, but the other way around doesn't make sense to me.
My husband buys BluRays. That's a whole another story, but when he buys a BluRay, it comes with a FREE digital copy, so he can go online and download the same movie on to his computer and watch it whenever and he doesn't have to carry all the BluRays with him. He has already paid! So, while we are in the digital age and advanced, why can't books catch up?
Best to you all,
TTR
Here's my contention: What if someone pays for the physical book. Do they still need to pay for a digital copy of that same book? I feel no. After all, it's the SAME book and the person has already paid for it. Asking them to pay twice and a second time (a digital copy) is double dipping. Besides, what's the cost for a digital copy? It's not like printing costs. I can see adding a cost to purchase the book when one has already purchased the digital copy, but the other way around doesn't make sense to me.
My husband buys BluRays. That's a whole another story, but when he buys a BluRay, it comes with a FREE digital copy, so he can go online and download the same movie on to his computer and watch it whenever and he doesn't have to carry all the BluRays with him. He has already paid! So, while we are in the digital age and advanced, why can't books catch up?
Best to you all,
TTR
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Getting past my demons, yet again!
I know what the last post was about. This post is about the same thing. A way to control the demons that control me - specifically one demon. My writing. I cannot describe myself right now but I'm between patients and working on this post. My hands were literally shaking and I feel like I'm having a mini seizure. My searches for today - writing retreats, writing sites. An hour later, I'm staring into space, feeling very lost and confused. Yet, I feel found. I take that back. I feel like Hope is knocking on Pandora's box and I do not want to open the box again. I want to. I don't want to. I desperately want to. Yet, I'm holding on to dear life, because I feel like I'm standing on a precipice. Free fall, with shards of sharp rocks on the way, leading to definitive death. Yes, why wouldn't I be afraid?
Maybe it's the tea. The caffeine is known to make one ansy. I wish it was as simple as that. For someone like me who drinks several cups a day, one cup is not going to do it. No, it's the damn writing thing that is calling again and again and again. I can scream it to go away, but it won't.
When I'm at work and I need to behave, perhaps one way to keep demons in check is to write. So, here I am. Writing. Writing like I'm running out of time (Yes, Hamilton). Writing like my life depends on it. Sometimes, I think it does. I wish it didn't. The curse is real. I look around my office in mad suspicion. Did someone spray something to make me jittery? Most people can't handle my energy level. Why would they seek to increase it in an uncontrollable fashion? I cannot tell you. What do you name this paranoia? The writer's curse? I would think and hope this post would cure it. I know the truth. It may alleviate some symptoms, but this one is going to hurt.
I remember starting my novel, The Color of Rain, in 1999 shortly after I finished dental school. What do I have now? 23 chapters and they are not that great. I stand and look at 80,000 words that all need to be re-read and re-written. Maybe I'm just overwhelmed. But I remember 1999. I couldn't function normally. I was possessed. This feeling is deja vu all over again. If I would have quit, maybe this won't be so bad. I had taken a long reprieve. My demon had disappeared. I called out to him and I almost didn't even realize he existed until now. He shows up and my life will be filled with a thirst I cannot quench standing at a stream. Who knows? The stream may just be an illusion.
This post is not working. I'll just breathe. In. Out. In. Out. In. Out. Still not working. A screw is loose in my head. C'est la vie.
Until next time,
TTR
Maybe it's the tea. The caffeine is known to make one ansy. I wish it was as simple as that. For someone like me who drinks several cups a day, one cup is not going to do it. No, it's the damn writing thing that is calling again and again and again. I can scream it to go away, but it won't.
When I'm at work and I need to behave, perhaps one way to keep demons in check is to write. So, here I am. Writing. Writing like I'm running out of time (Yes, Hamilton). Writing like my life depends on it. Sometimes, I think it does. I wish it didn't. The curse is real. I look around my office in mad suspicion. Did someone spray something to make me jittery? Most people can't handle my energy level. Why would they seek to increase it in an uncontrollable fashion? I cannot tell you. What do you name this paranoia? The writer's curse? I would think and hope this post would cure it. I know the truth. It may alleviate some symptoms, but this one is going to hurt.
I remember starting my novel, The Color of Rain, in 1999 shortly after I finished dental school. What do I have now? 23 chapters and they are not that great. I stand and look at 80,000 words that all need to be re-read and re-written. Maybe I'm just overwhelmed. But I remember 1999. I couldn't function normally. I was possessed. This feeling is deja vu all over again. If I would have quit, maybe this won't be so bad. I had taken a long reprieve. My demon had disappeared. I called out to him and I almost didn't even realize he existed until now. He shows up and my life will be filled with a thirst I cannot quench standing at a stream. Who knows? The stream may just be an illusion.
This post is not working. I'll just breathe. In. Out. In. Out. In. Out. Still not working. A screw is loose in my head. C'est la vie.
Until next time,
TTR
The artist within me - Wattpad, what have you done?
I am consumed. I will not be able to sleep soon. The writer in me will gnaw at my conscience. I just discovered Wattpad and I stare at it. There's a tightness in my chest. I'm afraid. I want to do it. I don't want to do it. I don't have the answer and I have work to go to.
Sometimes I feel the person you are, will claw right out of you, whether you want them to or not. My inner writer is my own demon. I've been fighting it. Sometimes I can keep it quiet. Sometimes, it won't come out when I want it to. And the battle rages on.
I wish I can tell you all how this will go. History has not been kind to me. I have to fight an uphill climb. To the victor belongs the spoils, or nothing at all. Sigh. Let the silence envelope me while I fight my demon once again.
TTR
Sometimes I feel the person you are, will claw right out of you, whether you want them to or not. My inner writer is my own demon. I've been fighting it. Sometimes I can keep it quiet. Sometimes, it won't come out when I want it to. And the battle rages on.
I wish I can tell you all how this will go. History has not been kind to me. I have to fight an uphill climb. To the victor belongs the spoils, or nothing at all. Sigh. Let the silence envelope me while I fight my demon once again.
TTR
The original They Throw Rocks
OK, so let me try this out. I'm going to link my story here. I'm new to Wattpad, so I'm going to see how to link the story into my blog.
Happy reading.
Also, incidentally, I've been working on a novel. Did I tell you guys that? Well, I have. It's called Color of Rain. I will most likely be posting a chapter at a time there. Why not? I'll just have to figure a way to post here also? Or maybe just there. I'm so new to this, but hopefully it'll get me working on that novel from a million years ago!
TTR
Sunday, September 17, 2017
The Muslim Class
I love to travel and I love to travel in style. I especially enjoy the perks. If I can get lounge access or something more, it's a little lift me up. I'm even willing to pay more for that. OK, I cannot afford business class or first class but if I were offered a free upgrade I would take it. I would enjoy the perks of better food and larger chairs and ability to sleep. I know recently some airlines were offering upgraded business class fares for half their normal cost. Hmmm. Would that be more affordable? It's pushing my financial limits, but maybe. I'll think about it.
What does all this have to do with a Muslim Class and what the heck is a Muslim Class? Well, here's the thing. I'm doing research on a trip and there are 3 classes on the boat. Standard, an upgraded class and a platinum class. The platinum class is nice and I might even be able to afford it, but then I'm left with the perks and wonder if I really need it? Upgraded drink service. Minor detail, but I don't drink alcohol. A wine gift basket on check in. Woo Hoo. Again. In case you didn't get the memo - no alcohol for me. I got to looking at the other perks. They are nice. A la Carte breakfast and dinner with the captain (this is a specialty cruise). Of the several perks offered extra on the platinum class, I only wanted half of them. Obviously, alcohol limits some of the perks and I thought to myself that I needed a "Muslim Class" - an upgraded class that upgrades some elements but not others.
I will tell you that the more I travel I think about the need for such a class because a lot of places (resorts and cruises) offer as gifts and upgrades the magical words "free alcohol". For me, those words hold no power. In fact, they make my mind go into overtime and wonder if there are other perks that will make an upgrade worthwhile. So, if you are in the commercial business with hotels/airlines/cruises and the like, you may consider a special class. Maybe not call it the Muslim class, because someone will surely get offended. Maybe just call it the "no alcohol, everything else" perk. Or I don't know. Just ask your marketing team. And when you do, give me a call and sign me up!
Best to you all,
TTR
What does all this have to do with a Muslim Class and what the heck is a Muslim Class? Well, here's the thing. I'm doing research on a trip and there are 3 classes on the boat. Standard, an upgraded class and a platinum class. The platinum class is nice and I might even be able to afford it, but then I'm left with the perks and wonder if I really need it? Upgraded drink service. Minor detail, but I don't drink alcohol. A wine gift basket on check in. Woo Hoo. Again. In case you didn't get the memo - no alcohol for me. I got to looking at the other perks. They are nice. A la Carte breakfast and dinner with the captain (this is a specialty cruise). Of the several perks offered extra on the platinum class, I only wanted half of them. Obviously, alcohol limits some of the perks and I thought to myself that I needed a "Muslim Class" - an upgraded class that upgrades some elements but not others.
I will tell you that the more I travel I think about the need for such a class because a lot of places (resorts and cruises) offer as gifts and upgrades the magical words "free alcohol". For me, those words hold no power. In fact, they make my mind go into overtime and wonder if there are other perks that will make an upgrade worthwhile. So, if you are in the commercial business with hotels/airlines/cruises and the like, you may consider a special class. Maybe not call it the Muslim class, because someone will surely get offended. Maybe just call it the "no alcohol, everything else" perk. Or I don't know. Just ask your marketing team. And when you do, give me a call and sign me up!
Best to you all,
TTR
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Shallow grief
Have you ever gotten bad news? Or unsettling news that makes your heart stop for a couple of beats and when it restarts, there's a slight pain and nausea there. You try to grapple with your new reality. Your new loss. Your life as you know it will never be the same. Yes, the title of this is "shallow" grief because when I opened my browser to teavana.com and searched for my favorite flavor of apple lemon pomegranate, the search pulled empty. I didn't stock up on this flavor. I have a few more brews of it and then it's permanently deleted from my tea stock. Permanently.
I found out that Starbucks was going to close down the Teavana stores by next April. I figured I had time to purchase and stock. My husband and I bought a pound of our favorite flavor - Earl Grey Creme. That was top of our list of teas. We haven't been able to find that flavor or even close, anywhere. A year ago, a patient's mom introduced me to Capital Teas. I was super excited. Furthermore, Capital Teas had a whole host of Earl Grey variations, including Creme Earl Grey. No comparison. We just figured we would use up the teas we got from Capital teas and then move on back to Teavana. After the heart breaking news of the Teavana stores shutting down, my husband and I had a plan - every month or a couple of times a month, we would go and buy a pound of a particular flavor.
We already got our Earl Grey Creme. I have a list. Apple Lemon Pomegranate was on the list. It hasn't been available at the stores for a few years now. When I found out last night that they may be shutting down the online store, I decided to make my second 1lb purchase the Apple Lemon Pomegranate and I did a search and it pulled blank. I tried to look for all teas with apple in them. Not even close. Nothing with apple and lemon. Forget the pomegranate! A search under the term "pomegranate" pulls up a blank search area. It doesn't even tell you that they couldn't find the product and would you like to search again. It's blank.
So, I have to come to grips with not being able to purchase more of one of my favorite flavors. It's done! I know I'll always remember the taste, but I also know that I have a 2-3 more brews left. With every brew and every sip, I will savor it for I know it'll be gone. In some strange way, it feels like life. We take our lives, friends, and family for granted, instead of cherishing every moment with them and creating the warmest memories. One day, they will not be anymore, just like my favorite fruity Teavana flavor. I know, this is just tea and I may sound shallow, but for all of you who have come home and played games with me and enjoyed the tea, you will understand. It's all part of a memory that will slowly fade.
Best to you all,
TTR
I found out that Starbucks was going to close down the Teavana stores by next April. I figured I had time to purchase and stock. My husband and I bought a pound of our favorite flavor - Earl Grey Creme. That was top of our list of teas. We haven't been able to find that flavor or even close, anywhere. A year ago, a patient's mom introduced me to Capital Teas. I was super excited. Furthermore, Capital Teas had a whole host of Earl Grey variations, including Creme Earl Grey. No comparison. We just figured we would use up the teas we got from Capital teas and then move on back to Teavana. After the heart breaking news of the Teavana stores shutting down, my husband and I had a plan - every month or a couple of times a month, we would go and buy a pound of a particular flavor.
We already got our Earl Grey Creme. I have a list. Apple Lemon Pomegranate was on the list. It hasn't been available at the stores for a few years now. When I found out last night that they may be shutting down the online store, I decided to make my second 1lb purchase the Apple Lemon Pomegranate and I did a search and it pulled blank. I tried to look for all teas with apple in them. Not even close. Nothing with apple and lemon. Forget the pomegranate! A search under the term "pomegranate" pulls up a blank search area. It doesn't even tell you that they couldn't find the product and would you like to search again. It's blank.
So, I have to come to grips with not being able to purchase more of one of my favorite flavors. It's done! I know I'll always remember the taste, but I also know that I have a 2-3 more brews left. With every brew and every sip, I will savor it for I know it'll be gone. In some strange way, it feels like life. We take our lives, friends, and family for granted, instead of cherishing every moment with them and creating the warmest memories. One day, they will not be anymore, just like my favorite fruity Teavana flavor. I know, this is just tea and I may sound shallow, but for all of you who have come home and played games with me and enjoyed the tea, you will understand. It's all part of a memory that will slowly fade.Best to you all,
TTR
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