Virus and Trojan Nightmare ... and Salvation.

Ahhh, I believe I can finally sit back and breath easy *sigh*.

What a weekend. I believe I just got rid of 9 viruses and 2, maybe 3 trojans. And have lived to say, our computer has survived - virtually unscathed (it runs a wee bit slower but who cares!? It works!). The most stubborn trojan was the "agent.BN".

The biggest worry for us is that we hadn't properly backed it up. Yes, I know, I know. But we are careful on our computer.

It's Anthony that came over and screwed it all up. Needless to say despite calling him and him thinking it simple to fix by just saying "just buy a program". I'll premise this by saying ... no ONE program does it ALL.

First and foremost I believe there are two programs that everyone should have in addition to a firewall and anitvirus software ... that is an anitspyware (/malware/adware, etc) program and SDfix.

I chose my antispyware as carefully as possible because you often, truly do get what you pay for when it comes to your computer. I chose the PC Tools Spyware Doctor. I can't say enough about this program. After spending 36 hours removing each virus the "old fashioned way" (for you pc geeks = find file, unregister file, delete file, delete registry entries) I felt like I found heaven. And let me just say the "old fashioned way" is a very SLOW and sometimes incomplete process.

The Spyware Doctor has two main selling points besides the obvious (really great software that does what is says and stays incredibly up to date); it was highly recommended by Microsoft and for the 30 dollars it covers 3 computers. This is very important.

A lot of programs need key codes now and the software only comes with one, often limiting it to one computer unless you "pirate" it (don't register it and often don't get full support on the other computers you put it on after the first).

SDfix is just a simple program that does all the end work for you, it cleans up what the spyware programs may miss. Best of all it's totally FREE! It's not that the spyware program isn't working, it's just that these viruses and trojans like to reinstall after startup so it's a perpetual install-remove cycle. SDfix can take care of that cycle and attack the hidden files or the stubborn ones that won't easily delete

Now, if you don't know much about computers or are somewhat cheap like most of us are when it comes to constantly updating an ever evolving electronic, like the computer, there are tons of free anitvirus and firewall softwares out there.

For our free antivirus software we use Avira's AntiVir. I prefer this simply because it works as well as the big names like Norton, and shaves off loads of time when you start up your computer. I don't know about you, but sometimes I'm in a hurry and that difference of 3 minutes can mean a lot. Especially if you have to keep restarting.

As for some recommended firewalls (which are really essential if you're on the internet) this is a good page to direct you to some. Actually, this is a really great page to tell you the basics of securing your computer after an attack. But hey, why wait!? Check this out and do the minimum basics like slightly upping the security on your IE (Internet Explorer browser).

Do note though, that if you use a router, wireless or otherwise, you will already have a firewall installed.

If you should happen to get a virus take these simple steps:

Immediately disconnect the internet from the computer. Often this is simply unplugging it from the back.

Follow the instructions in this link if the computer isn't doing anything really strange that scares the bigeebers out of you.

Or hey, feel free to call me if you live in town.

But above all, remember, if strange links pop up never click "okay", "yes", or anything confirming; and always try to close it with the X in the top left corner.

If your computer should suddenly freeze, immediately turn it off; especially if Control-Alt-Delete doesn't work.

And if you still don't know what to do, call your neighborhood pc geek. I hear the geek squad is getting popular.

Okay gotta run, but I sure hope everyone takes a serious look at this. And goodluck to all. The internet's a scary place out there.

Another day, one less dollar ...

Well, it's going on five months and still no job. I'm in good spirits as I do have money to support myself but it's a little frustrating to be out of work in the winter. Jobs apparently are more scarce at that time of year.

Yet, Spring is upon us and with it's symbolism of growth and renew it now feels like the dawn of a new year.

This Spring is definitely colder than it seems from last year, my fingers are so cold I can barely type right now. As the result of a cold house I am tempted to build a fire, it's our only source of warmth. Since we've used most of the smaller bits of wood through the winter it's becoming increasingly more difficult for me to do this normally easy task of fire building.

Which brings me to the night before last. Adam, Ben and I were sitting in the evening sharing a nice dinner together. Adam barbecued tritip that marinated and slivered with roasted garlic. We paried it first with a sauvignon blanc (Tin Barn 2005 Bennett Valley) which was delightfully crisp with notes of general citrus and a lingering metalic finish. It paired well as the marinade for the beef was accented with lemon. And we brought out pears and cheese. The cheese being gorgonzola, since that was all we had (we prefer to put pears with gouda or sharp orange cheddar).

We really wanted a bottle of red but not having gone wine tasting this winter and spring having brought the lighter whites the only bottles of red that were available from our "cellar" were all the expensive ones.

Note about cellar - Adam's closet, it's the most stable and cold place in the house and where the mice don't go, so chewed labels or corks; always a bonus!

Nevertheless we wanted something tasty on this rare good mood of a full moon night so we opted for a cab (Simi Reserve 2002 Alexander Valley - in my opinion the only good bottle Simi makes). This cab was still young in maturity but had tons of things going on. It was a splendid way to end the meal that we paired with chocolates.

Anyway, digressing back to how this relates to building a fire with large pieces of wood ...

Adam decided to teach me how to build a fire with only a hatchet and large pieces of wood.

1) Lots of newspaper, no shiney colored paper. Colored non-shiney okay.

2) Lots of cardboard ripped into pieces and layered.

Then he hands me a hatchet - AFTER we've been drinking a few glasses of wine. I stare at him dubiously and doubtful of myself, understandably.

3) Split wood.

Now apparently this went easier than I expected and I was able to wield the instrument high over my head as instructed. Repeatatively. Still, it was somewhat scary to me. But the fire took off well. Yay for me!

So it's freezing in the house today. I should build a fire. But instead I think of errands I can run because turning on the heater of my car is much easier than trying to wield that stupid hatchet.

In other news there was a small error in the paperwork of my unemployment so there are two weeks that appear overpaid from last year. I sent in the appeal papers twice, and somehow they have never been recieved. So now I think I need to send it back in by certified signature mail. What a pain. All this over one wrong bit of information. Good news is that it can eventually be reversed. One claim ended. Another claim started. All are getting a tiny bit of each check garnished. And then I find that a big chunk was taken out of my state tax refund. Ouch, I was expecting that to live off of for a bit longer. Best get that straightened out, 800 dollars is a lot of money after all.

So another day, one less dollar. Until I get a job and can actually save money. Applied at wineries, office work, and scientific positions of all kinds. Good news is, I'm getting lots of interviews.

Finally moved my things into storage. Why you ask? No I'm not moving away, not at least that I know of yet.

Well, as many of you know I was renting a seperate room in a seperate house, seperately from Adam.

Important to note: We have never stayed a single night there. Adam insisted "on principle".

About a month ago Adam and I are sitting having lunch on a weekend at a new pizza place; Papa Lido's Pizza in the new Larkfield shopping area (don't go there. Not consistantly good. And owned by a reportedly arrogant guy with even worse kids that run the place. My friend delivers pepsi there).

Adam looks at me and says slowly "Well. I guess."

I stare waiting for more. I put my slice of pizza down. I contemplate if I interrupting is wise. Because sometimes when this happens he changes his mind about speaking. Somehow I realize this is one of those times not to interrupt.

"I was thinking of splitting the bills at the house five ways." he says staring at me.

So wait, I first think. Now I'm going to pay bills at the vineyard house and pay for my room. This is too much.

"So I was thinking, it being 18 months and all ... that we should maybe move your stuff into storage. Guess I can be a little stubborn, hunh?" He grins a little sheepishly.

I laughed and said "Well, finally. I mean, it's only been 18 months."

I promptly reserved a storage spot realizing this may not last and he could change his mind at any moment. I got a good one, near the entrance, outside and most importantly on the ground level. We moved my things last weekend.

Matson came by to help me, Adam and Ben. Matson let us know he was past the dry wall stages of the wall he is constructing in him and Jamie's condo to make the baby's room. Today will be the day they spray it. For helping me move, and well, because I think of Matson as my brother I have offered to help him with his wall.

He says I can come over and paint. Wooh! I actually like painting. That will be later this week.

Then we are into the month of May here right quickly. There is soooo much planned for May. Baby shower, Bridal Shower, Birthdays, Mother's Day, and I'm sure much more. I think every weekend is filled for May.

Matson's co-ed baby shower is the same weekend (nay, the same day - even starts at the same hour)that Adam has been invited to a moustache party. Yes, this is an incredibly weird idea for a party to me. Adam has decided this is a kick ass idea and has decided to start growing out his moustache. I hate moustaches. If it gets all wierd and tickly he shant be seeing me kissing him, that's for sure. And let me point out, Adam has outright told Matson he's just not a man for being at a baby shower. I really don't think Matson has a choice in the matter.

I've been working more on my cookbook and it's almost done. I'll put a link on the side here so everyone can check my progress. I'm striving to put all 100 recipes it alows room for to complete it. But you can order one at any time, they'll send the updated recipes to you later.

I've also been working on writing a book for Mikie's religion as the self declared God of Butter. That's going a bit slower, seeing as how we have yet to sit down and hammer out the finer points of his philosophy.

So far all I've got is existential hedonism. Translated as: pertaining to the existance of the philosophy that: pleasure is of ultimate importance, the most important pursuit. Hedonism derives from the Greek word for "delight" (ἡδονισμός hēdonismos from ἡδονή hēdonē "pleasure" + suffix ισμός ismos "ism").

The rules for writing a book are surprisingly simple. At least the method I've been taught.

1) Write your story in one sentence.

2) Expand your story to 5 sentences.

First sentence is the end of act one.
Second sentence is the middle act two.
Third sentence is the end of act two.
Fourth sentence is the end of act three.
Fifth sentence is the conclusion.

3) Expand each sentence to a paragraph.

4) Expand each paragragh to a page ... then essentially elaborate.

The important thing to note is that the first three sentences are a seperate disaster/event. Only the first disaster/event can be random not caused or influenced by the main character. The other two have to be the result of the main character "fixing" but ultimately getting "worse". The conclusion is the wrap up and usually quick equalling your message and the lesson learned.

Well, I guess I need to study the structure of other religious books to get a feel of how to write a true biblic masterpiece that the God of Butter can be proud of. Self printing sites like Lulu make it affordable to write a book, have it printed and for people to buy it.

Okay, gotta get going now, Ben's home for lunch. And Adam will be soon to follow.

Garden 2007