Keeping Up with Michelle

I spent my weekend hanging out with the Geek Squad at Best Buy.  My computer got a virus and it completely shut us down.  It was not good.  I have nothing but good things to say about the Geek Squad.  They were a life saver.  They told me exactly what I needed to do to fix my computer and helped me when I got stuck and didn’t charge me a dime.  I was very impressed with the service.  So let me tell you about the virus so if your computer gets it you can learn from my experience.  Out of no where all these pop up windows started coming up saying things like “Warning, your computer may be infected with a virus”.  When I tried closing the window another would reappear.  Then it prompts you to purchase security software, XP Security Center.  It claims if you get the software it will fix the virus.  I fell for it of course because I didn’t have anti-spyware on my computer.  It asks for payment information then installs some software on the computer.  That’s it.  The computer was fine for a couple days then more windows start popping up warning you of a virus and telling you to buy antispyware.  Next we couldn’t open Word or any other program.

The Geek Squad recognized the virus, XP Security Center, right away.  They asked if I entered bank information which I did to purchase the nonexistant antivirus software.  They told me to cancel the ATM card immediately because they will use the information and drain my account.  Great.

So, while the Geek Squad service was free the solution was not.  I spent $120 on a removable hard drive which I had to download everything from my computer on to and $60 for the top of the line antivirus software from Kaspersky.  I figure it was a bargain because #1) I should be backing up my files anyway and now I have a device with enough memory to do it and #2) I should have antispyware on my computer.  I’m so lazy and in denial that when the Norton Antivirus trial period was over I didn’t renew.  I’ve had this computer for probably 4 years without any security software on it.  I have to say I don’t recommend it.  It is worth paying $60 a year to protect your computer.  You never realize how important all your documents, files and pictures are until the possibility of losing them stares you in face.  I have started uploading all my pictures to my Kodak account online for that very reason. I figure if my computer ever crashes at least I’ll have my pictures.  Of course a lot of them are not uploaded yet.

Oh, I gained two pounds since last week.  I’m terribly disappointed.  I was eating right, walking a lot and somehow I gained two pounds.  I did slip this weekend and had pizza.  I couldn’t help myself.  I was fighting a slight hangover from Friday night.  A friend of Tony’s produces bands in LA and one was playing in Walnut Creek at Betty’s (former Lips, Tiffany’s, After Dark, etc…).  Tony’s friend was there for support or whatever so we got a babysitter and went.  I vowed to take a shot which I did in addition to having a few beers and I had quite a buzz.  I was picture happy with my camera and everyone’s best friend.  Good times.  But anyway, I gained two pounds and I feel depressed about it.  I ate a big plate of spaghetti when I got home from work yesterday too.  I was starving and Tony had made it for dinner.  I couldn’t resist and was feeling spiteful towards my efforts and the scale.  I’m over it now and am going to get back on track.  I can’t keep this body.  It just doesn’t suit me.  There’s nothing terribly wrong with it but it just isn’t me.  The baby belly has to go.  I can almost live with the rest of it but not the belly.

Coming up, this Saturday my cousin Noelle is getting married at a golf course/country club in Brentwood called The Nines.  I’m looking forward to that.  I enjoy going to weddings: getting dressed up, eating free food, drinking free booze and getting my goove on.  Even better is when my family is doing it with me.  Ah, good times.  Stay tuned for wedding tales…