CyberMinions.net

C, you are too funny!  I hope you aren't driving while you're doing all this!  I didn't see you plugged in car keys!

all good ideas... but be really careful using a pillow beneath your laptop.  The pillow reflects heat back to the laptop, and doesn't allow it to breath, nor air to circulate beneath it.  That can cause your laptop to overheat and die prematurely... you want to put something beneath it (between you and that sensitive burning skin), but it should allow the air to move.

Patricia, I am usually parked in very nice neighborhoods with a friend always close by just in case I need back-up. Never been bothered from blogging in the car. If you leave a clipboard on the dash they assume you are doing something official (LOL). Why do people defer to the clipboard carrying person as someone of authority? Inquiring minds really want to know (LOL). ;-)

Alan, I have a lovely Toshiba Satellite A355-S6935 from Office Depot. They were closing the store next to my office and everything was 25%-50% off. Great deal for me and the kids! All of Noah's ABA and Jumpstart work is on it. The kids have their educational movies (e.g. Blues Clues, etc) downloaded in the Amazon Unbox to keep them busy when in the car.

The cool thing is it vents to the left and not the bottom (but the bottom can really warm up if I stay on for hours). Working in 20 minte intervals helps a lot. I try not to keep the laptop on for more than two consecutive hours at a time. :-)

C- I take my lap top to open houses, and when I have time I do my Fb, AR, twitter, etc

Rebecca, so do I. I've been known to routinely stay long after I am gone because we're having a blast playing on-line together. :-)

You are not trying to drive with this on your lap, I know.  This is a class operation.  For agents on the road a lot, being connected is essential.

Tweeting from the tub?  Maybe.  Tweeting from the toilet?  I just don't EVER want to see ANYONE doing THAT! :)

LOL @ Lenn. I love being connected to my virtual family, friends and relatives. Keeping tabs on customers and clients would be really tricky if not for constantly making use my the outside office. Sometimes I answer my e-mail immediately and other times it takes a couple of days because I have so much of it to read. I am waiting to pick up someone right now who I have to take to Whitestone. She will be an hour, so I am parked a few doors down lurking in the Rain while calling to view new construction. I am also making an appointment to do an inspection tomorrow. I usually place my laptop in the back seat or strap it in the passenger seat while I am driving because I don't want it to fall.

Sometimes when I am feeling particularly naughty I leave the Skype up. It's like having Rainers for passengers (LMAO). Imagine working and hanging out with your fave peeps at the same time. If you have a really good broadband card and don't drive fast you can do this. It's always better chatting in a parked position but if you don't do video and stick with audio (less streaming issues) you can use Skype like a speaker phone. :-)

You should never operate a computer while driving- only the police are qualified to do that!

C

I CAN identify.  I am totally mobile.. have to be.  My contracts are loaded into my tablet, they can sign and print on the go.  From the tub... hey , I love a long hot soak, ben known to have the tablet, cell phone, dinner on a tray, and a chilled glass of wine while soaking in that tub...

Heather, my eyeballs are bleeding (LOL). I don't want to EVER SEE THAT EITHER unless you are a Mom fully dressed sitting with the seat down and your laptop perched on the sink while the wee ones play in the shower (ROTFLMAO). It is acceptable to continue your blog posts during the supervised bath time of the wee people who are capable of making use of the soap and toothbrush themselves (LMAO). Miss Blog Manners has spoken: Don't post freaky eye candy here. Seriously!!! (LOL)

You look like a hacker with all of those wires in your car. :)

Carolyn, in  the toilet??  Reminds of that movie with Robin Williams, "RV."

Sometimes commitment can be a bad thing...

I love it C! I know all about the thigh burn of laptops and am always online at home. I need a new battery for the laptop so I can grind out the blogs on the Pop Warner field! That's my next deal since I now have my cellphone acting as a wifi modem for me anywhere - thank you Blackberry Tour!

That's why I got a BlackBerry - can do almost everything with it as well :)

Very nice!  You know I just got the mifi wireless form sprint - it is a mini network and we had three laptops gogin with it in the car while waiting for the ferry on a busy ferry day on Bainbridge Island!  I LOVE IT!!!!

OMG!!!  You are way addicted... are we are going to put you in a rehab for this?  I guess you can say I am on my way too.  I can not go a day without AR!  I was thinking about a blog sitting at lunch for cripes sake!

These are excellent reasons of why we should invest in a mobile office.  I rarely have down time in my car, but it doesn't hurt to be fully equipped if I ever do.

You are hooked up girl! I have a nifty lapdesk that runs a fan via usb under the laptop sucking out all the hot air and blowing it away from me. Noooo....I didn't mean the hot air from the internet...the hot air from my laptop...you have an evil mind.... 

You are too, too, tooooooo funny.  Whenever I have a need to check out something funny or amazing, I know I can come to your blog.  Seriously . . .  :-)  (couldn't resist . . .)

All great ways to be more productive!  That is why I love my BB to keep me working nonstop!

C Tann- That is TOOOO Funny!!! I have a better answer for keeping my blogging groove on- stay home:) I run my entire office virtually from my home office- I work with listings so I don't have to show homes:) and of course blog from every room except the bathroom. I rarely go out except for homeschooling events and lessons with my son. Having a buyers agents helps and she is awesome. Having a family that pulls together helps, we have our son and daughter working for us. Now I am running out to get my new macbook pro and throwing windows out the window! Besides, it is too freaking hot here to go outside in the summer!

A tip- to speed up your blogging- get a digital recorder and dragon naturally speaking software and then just talk your blog on! I do it now and WOW! talk about saving time!

 Loving life! Katerina

Some of us <------ that be me.... has a lot of rolling up sleeves to do in order catch up!

Diane

What a hilarious post! I need to get my mobile blog on a little better! Thanks for the tips!

Great post!  I love your pics too.  And great ideas.  I learned to start taking pics with my Blackberry instead of my 10 megapixel camera. Saves time and I can upload them from the phone. 

Holy Moly C I am exhausted just thinking about being busy every single freaking moment of the day!  You are on steroids or something fun!  Way too funny.  Love it and yes - again - sign the banana up. I want what she's got!!

Well, I am speechless, which doesn't happen too often:)  I probably am at my desk more than you so I find I can spend the time I need at home/office.  I know when I am with avid bloggers/social networkers like you everyone is tweeting all day long but for some reason I like have a break:)  Yes, and have others have said, don't drive while tweeting:)

Carolyn: You are all over this.. LOL.. I actually have a laptop mount like used in the photo above.. I just need to mount it in my ride :)

I happily announce that I am just not that important that I have to be connected 24/7! Now, CTS, as a businesswoman, artist and most importantly a mom, you have more on your plate than I do. Multitasking in the bathroom is critical under those circumstances. I salute you for managing.

C - loved your post.  I am now a subscriber...

Katerina - must check out that SW program - thanks.

I also have the hot thighs (LOL) - OK everyone - get your minds out of the gutter  :-)

C - When I grow up, I wanna be just like you :-)

My laptop goes EVERYWHERE with me!  You are so right that we need to make use of all of our working hour minutes!!!  Thanks for sharing!

LOL C...

You have is sooo bad. I think you may need help. I'm trying to get AR Upper Mgmt to hire an in house therapist for people like us :)

P.S. BTW, I really thought you were the one who started that whole lovely geek thing. How can you blame me for thinking it was you? :)

TLW...ROAR!

Heads Up...

For those of you who bring your phone into the bathroom, quit doing that. I can hear you and it don't sound pretty :)

If you're easily offended don't click the link. Just slowing scroll away :)

<CLICK CLICK>

TLW...ROAR!

Gotcha :)

Sounds like you're dialed in . . . the "new" dialed in. 

I think I want my own pillow and laptop next to me in the big black Hummer H3 I drive. I can belt it in and update my FB status while sitting at red lights, right?

I like the Google juice I get from A R too.  But, please be careful.  You don't want to end up like this...

C - This post is unbelievably funny!  I'm exhausted just reading it! LOL....Now I know how you're hijacking posts at every hour of the day and night.  You have the ultimate virtual office!!

LOL @ David and TLW...

Too funny...I hardly ever use my laptop in the car.

Why?

I use a blackberry when I am out, or traveling to TN. Nothing I can do on that except have better eyes to read those pdf offers that come in then I need an interpreter.

Love it! I have been in love with my iphone because I can get so much done when I am on the road--if I do not want to break out the laptop. No snackage in the car, though. I'm trying to drop a few pounds.

LOL @ Dave K. Being retired law enforcement that idea is just too funny!!! We either had a partner on the passenger side do it or pulled over when operating communication devices that wasn't the actual mic on the radio (LMAO). 

Judi, you are my kinda gal. That's what I'm talking about. Just put electrical tape over the camera. Seriously... Would not want any YouTube accidents of such a stellar, quiet moment (LOL). ;-)

C - I am covered on 1 and 3, but 2 has me wondering. I have sprint too, do they charge you extra for using the air card if you have the everything data plan? I would love to hook up an air card to my laptop without being charged up the (you know what). Tell me more....

Had to laugh at the car going over the cliff!  Make sure that laptop stays on that pillow.  You're totally set to go, great post for those wondering how.

C, you gave some great pointers.  I am really new to Active Rain, how do I get on Google.  I have an outside blog and am paying $29/month.  Should I be able to be on Google???

My e-mail is fascinating. I feel like a Sprint rep (LOL). Here is what I have people:

Everything Data Share Plan Line 1: $129.99 Minimum Monthly Charge Line 2:$0

Monthly Charge Lines 3-5: $19.99

I spend $59 per month for the Air Card access (Sprint Mobile Broadband USB Modem 598U Sierra Wireless). Here's a screen shot from my personal Sprint account to explain the estimates for my 5 Gigs or less of monthly air time usage on the Air Card:

Monthly charges for multiple phones in the 1500 Shared Anytime Minutes can get you:

Unlimited Sprint Mobile to Mobile Nationwide Long Distance Included

Unlimited Night & Weekend Mins. Included Nights: M-Th 7PM-7AM Wknd: F 7PM-M 7AM

Caller ID

Call Waiting

Three-way Calling

Voicemail

Data - Web, email, TV, music, GPS and more. Messages - Text, Pictures and Video. IncludedData/Msg/Amer Roam/Sprint Nav Included

The Air Card is a separate contract from your cell phone. Sprint actually issues you a new cell number for the Air Card so they can track yur usage and billing. Very cool.

This is what I have and the wee people watch TV on my cell phone all the time. Save your Air Card for when you are away from WiFi or Cable modems. If I can plug in at a brick and mortar location its the very first thing I do. Will save you money using the hardline. Trust me. The first month is always the trickiest when you get a new toy and want to use it. Watch the downloads and uploads. Stay within your plan's bandwidth and minutes or upgrade the plan (LOL). My phone costing me $129 a month is worth it because I discovered sometimes you have to take the unlimited option when you have crazy friends and wee people. :-)

Nicholas G, Oooooooo - significant statement. Nick knows what a hacker looks like (ROTFLMAO). I am sooo gonna have fun with you later tonight (LMAO). ;-)

LOL @ Kevin. Robin Williams is such a great talent, isn't he? I love his work. RV was a hoot (LOL). ;-)

"Sometimes commitment can be a bad thing..." Gulf Atlantic Funding, what an interesting statement. Oh, the things I could say here but wont (LOL). ;-)

Christianne, I dream and drool over the idea of having a Blackberry. Then I think about all of the electronics my three year old has drowned in the toilet and call it a day (LOL). I am lucky my Rant in in one piece (he showered with it recently) and had to rescue my moden from the fire escape (It appears 1.5 inches was a big enough crack for it and a hot wheel car - LMAO).

Susan N, one day I shall join the blackberry ranks (when Stephen the Blur Minion is older and grows out of his craving for the ritual sacrifice of my electronics - LOL).

Oooooooo. Courtney Cooper has the MiFi!!! I am sooo coming to your house when I cross over to the other side to invade visit AR (LOL). I wanna meet Active Claire. Seriously!!! She ROCKS. I am almost afraid to mess with her blog (LMAO). I really wanna see them all. What a cool thing to do before I grow old and die. Seriously! I have a really long bucket list. I try to cross something off of it every single day. Makes for a fun and interesting life. You don't have to spend money to get what you want, you just have to share your dreams with your friends and do stuff together. ;-)

You'd be surprised just how much you can get out of life from being transparent with people. I get really neat invites to meet up do stuff and stay places. Don't always blog about it, but sometimes I do. That's why I love having a mobile office. I can capture anything in a heartbeat and share it later. :-)

C-  You always have great ideas.  I'm not that addicted yet, but seriously getting there.  I can do lots with my blackberry.  Even get on Active Rain.  I'm catching up with the technology.  Give me time.

I don't take my laptop anymore... I addicted to my Blackberry.

I know the hot leg crap - I'm nonstop on the couch with the laptop - and if I find a coffee shop forget it - I stay away anymore, since I have the knack for convincing myself I can get just as much work done at the coffee shop because I am on the 'net, - pshh

Had to laugh at your comment about the clip board carrying person having authority - you are so right. ha ha

C - You are too funny and full of energy.  Seriously though, keep safe, don't operate your laptop while driving.

C - That is awesome !  Blog on !!! Woo hoo !! That is some hardcore stuff.  I am taking notes as there is more time I can maximize by having some of those gadgets !  ~ Chris

Ok, I am a bottom line kind of girl so let's review!

"For less than $700 you can maximize your Google Juice"....

Working with Ms. C Tann-Starr as an Ambassador  PRICELESS

Now here is the close or CALL TO ACTION  "Need an Outside Blog? Wanna join the Club Chaos SEO Bootcamp? Need to set up and get menionized? Shoot me an e-mail"

There you go!  Want what C's got.. Sign up NOW!   Be there or be square.. see you on the other side!

Carra Riley AKA  Cosmic Cow Pie

June Tassillo, can you imagie me in a 9 step program for bloggers rehab? Ever see one Flew Over The CooCoo's Nest (ROTFLMAO). Which character do you think I am? Bet I'll have the whole group craving Internet and in cyber-mutiny in no time (LOL). ;-)

Pssst. Cyber-crazy is a highly contagious virus: I am infected with the AR blogger's genone. I can't survive without the people who live in my computer and make me laugh every single day. Oh the Skype par-tays we have!!!

BTW, I called my father today and we were howling with laughter over the fact that they go to my brother Cedric's to check out my blog and Facebook antics together. When your family is scattered out of state, social media is priceless. All of my loved ones read my blog. They are the reason I am waaaaaaaaay addicted to social media. My Dad was tickled pink to see my boys in the ocean, dancing at a party until 2 AM and generally running amuck, painting pictures, toasting cell phones... etc.

When your Mom and Dad are watching along with your Friends, Granny, Cousins and Siblings, transparency takes on a whole new meaning. They will pick up the phone or shoot me a text in a minute. That's why I am brutally honest about what I talk about. A lot of people do not always comment, but they come back every day to read me and have fun e-mailing behind the scenes.

I love this place. Do you have any idea how cool it is to have your Mom visit the senior citizens center and get all her girlfriends around a public computer so she can brag about me and my friends and show off ActiveRain blogs? They think it is all amazing. So do I. :-)

Michelle, it certainly doesn't hurt and as long as your battery lasts you can be on-line if you are not in the car. The USB Broadband Modem that I have works on any computer with a USB port. You can plug it into your regular tower if your cable modem ever goes out and still get on-line. Makes for a nice emergency back-up. The model that I have also has the software embedded. It installs when you plug it into a port, is encrypted so no one else with WiFi can tap into your modem while you use it. There is a clip and and extention cable so you can protect the modem by placing it on top of the monitor rather than directly in the side USB port where someone my knock into it (e.g. my kids run and bump into everything - LOL).

Retired law enforcement people have a thing about keeping files private. As a Paralegal it would be a total disaster if people got their hands on my files. I am a stickler for computer security and asking about encryption was the first thing out of my mouth. It also has a SD Card port on it where I can use it as a removable flash drive by swapping the scan disk cards or saving downloads directly to the SD. Very cool and useful. :-)

Something for me to add to my "to do" list when I finally can afford all of those gadgets...sigh...but I can totally relate to your problem with the young un's just tossing things randomly anywhere they can. I've had to replace two phones because my little man decided to toss them in the toilet...uuuugh!

I have written more than one blog post on a cell phone...  Captured the pics, too.  Now I generally carry my camera, but just in case...

WooHoo !!!! Fabulous Rally Call CTann !!!!!

...and I recognize that mobile tech set up of yours !!!! HAHAHAH !!!!

Great blog ...

Cheers !

Sheldon :o)

Mafia Wars!? Psh. I'm rocking Pirates! LOL And I hear you about the pillow. What's worse is that the heat even comes through the pillow >.<  But I have a tip for you. You know the lumbar pillows you can get in the chiropractor's office? If you flip them upside down. You can let the lumber part curve over your legs, and the laptop has a nice flat surface  =)

LMAO @ SarahGray. Evil mind? Haaaahahahahahaaaaaa! Oh the fun I could have with that thought (LOL). ;-) I am going to listen to you and Alan May and get me some sort of fan cooling wisk away the heat device. Shall blog about it tomorrow. Will go shopping at BJs and see what they have. :-)

Sandy, thank you for the kind words. I know what you mean because TLW and BB are amazing and I am always lurking over there somewhere cracking up about something (LOL).

Naoma, one day I shall join the ranks of blackberry weilding professionals (LOL). ;-)

Katerina, how very cool! I wish I could homeschool my kids but hubby wants them in school. Maybe when they get a bit older I will try. K to the 8th Power is a nice on-line program that has a great feedback and statistic section regarding a student's progress and is geared towards the national standard. I have been using that, Jumpstart and iTunes to work with the wee people. :-)

Diane, take your time and do what you feel comfortable with. It is very liberating to be able to work from anywhere. Never thought I would be so fond of my beach outside office (LOL). I can't swim and usually hate going but being able to stay connected while watching the family play is lovely. Taking time out to play with them between working with customers and clients is priceless. :-)

Ha, it reminds me of a police car with their laptops now.

Kristi, you are very welcome and looking forward to discovering more about your mobile blogging (LOL). :-)

Thank you, Bob, it's great being able to upload from the phone, isn't it? It took me a while to figure out how to e-mail video. My hubby and I usually send video blurbs of the kids in motion at the park. :-)

Anna Banana, you are soooo signed up. Seriously (LOL). I owe you a phone call. Sorry I can't fly in and mess with you guys today. Maybe next time. Have mad fun with Carra and do the Cosmic Cow Pie! ;-)

I like that cooler with the snack-age stuff in it. Left over pizza and blogging in the car. That sounds good to me. I have had a car converter for some time. Works well.

Diane A, I am with you. No driving and tweeting (or any other distracting thing) because it can cost you your life. My 29 year old cousin Latoya died a few days ago because her hubby looked left and down to fiddle with the knob (radio/air conditioning??) and the slight brief shift of the power steering sent them off the road into a ditch. Panic sets in when your wife and kids are in the car. He tried to bring it out of the ditch but they were traveling too fast and the car flipped several times. Turns out Latoya's seat belt was not properly clipped in. He and the kids survived but we lost Latoya. Everyone is devastated. They have young kids...The funeral was last Friday.

I am afraid of driving tired and I am afraid of driving distracted. I pull over when I need to do something. I pull over to answer the phone. I recently got a $115 ticket because I answered my phone while doubled parked for less than 30 seconds (LOL). Chicka walked right up and scanned me before I could open the window or my mouth (LOL). She felt bad that I had pulled over to answer the phone but once they scan you they have to finish printing the ticket. It's in the computer. I also got a $45 ticket for pulling over at a meter to answer my phone. A second to scan and a few taps of the stylus and the computer prints them right out. Less than 15 seconds and the traffic cops are done. Turns out a sign down the block said something about street cleaning (LMAO). Hubby laid out $340 for my social media tickets so far. I've added about $200 as well. I try to be careful when pulling over to answer my phone, but this is NYC. Parking is tough. I let a lot of calls go to voice mail when I am driving but some calls are very important. When you have kids, a bidding war in progress, a buyer meeting you at a location or clients coming in from out of the area you have to answer your phone.

I would rather pay the tickets or get yelled at for briefly blocking a driveway than accidentally kill someone or die.

Roland, a laptop mount sounds lovely!!!! I don't know how well that would go with the little minions, though... Hmm... Noah likes being the boss of the laptop in the car. He'd probably want to sit in the passenger seat all the time (LOL). Poor Stephen might not get a good view of Jimmy Neutron from his car seat. I may have to move it to the middle position. Dude is crazy about Blues Clues. He'd have a fit if he heard the music and couldn't see the show (LMAO). ;-)

LMAO @ Irene. Psssst. I am not connected 24/7 either. Rumor has it I nap once in a while. Usually between little minion squabbles and laundry (LOL). ;-)

BTW, I am really coming over with the wee people. Seriously! The weather has improved. Will call you about Friday to see what you are doing. I haven't played in NJ for a while. I am waaaaaay overdue (LOL). I may have to call a few of you... Summer vacation is almost over. The shorties have to explore more backyards, front yards, flower gardens, etc... We only require peanut butter and jelly and a bathroom. We do the rest because we are so easily amused (LMAO). ;-)

ROTFL @ Rick. Thank you for subscribing and do feel free to tell us more about your hot thighs (LMAO). I love this place!!! Too funny! ;-)

All of my friends and family call me hyper connected...I went camping recently and actually took along my Iphone and laptop...tee hee hee

ROTFL @ Amy. Who on earth is spreading that rumor that I grew up? Seriously. I'm having my second childhood in ActiveRain (LOL). When I grow up I wanna be like Melodious (LMAO). A Mel mini-me is a secret craving that I have. She keeps telling me to be myself, so I am the original me but I gottaa say that Melody Botting ROCKS!!! What an awesome business woman and friend. Me. I have issues... thus the blog post therapy, among other things (LOL). Thank you for the kind words Amy, I really appreciate the compliment. ;-)

Kristi, it appears we camp the same way (ROTFLMAO). DVD player, laptop, cell phone... We have sooo gotta hang out in real life one of these days. I have peeps in Colorado. I need to wander over there and do some mountain blogging... :-)

C:  Loved your blog - get some eye candy - how crazy - you are right though - you can blog anywhere...

I have an insulated lap pillow for keeping my TabletPC on my lap...works great in the car and I don't get HOT LEGS when sitting still!!

Hopefully your not blogging and driving at the same time?!!

I love the clipboard comment!!!! I am putting mine on my dashboard asap, because it's true!

I am an Iphone person; however, I definitely like your style.

Emily, I am discovering the joy of the things one can do with a cell phone, air card, laptop and blog platform (LOL). Social media will never replace the brick and mortars but it can enhance what you do with your friends.

I tend to write as if I am having a conversation because I really am talking to people. My friends have had me laughing all day today about the way I play peek-a-boo with my life. Some are actually peeved that I am NOT writing about them (LMAO). Didn't see that one coming until I posted being at a Thai spot with a therapist buddy (LOL). Now peeps want to go jogging and blogging with me? Seriously? (LOL)

Summer was lovely ( was alone with my thoughts - LOL). Fall should be very interesting... (the brick and mortars are migrating to AR, starting with my older sister - LOL). School is about to start so I will have mornings free to roam the streets and get very hyper-local with some small business owners and my fave spots or things to do.

Keep taking your laptop with you and share what ever catches your fancy. Blogging can be mad fun if you have fun friends who don't mind getting in on your hyper-local adventures (LOL). :-)

ROTFLMAO @ TLW.

Um... er... about that... well... you know,  The Lovely Geek comment... um... er... well...

Pssst... Okay people, go here (LOL). 8-O

C,

I think we may need some intervention here....  You may be ADDICTED to the Internet if you email in your car......

Ann

Ann, my love, I e-mail anywhere I can pause long enough to set up a safe location to get comfy in (LOL). The beach surrounded by loved ones. Parks with police in them. The library. Starbucks. Every friend I know with a cable modem or WiFi. Malls with those massage chairs you can try out for free (LMAO).

The car is just the tip of my blogging ice burg (ROTFLMAO).  You guys have no idea just how silly and mad fun my excursions into cyberspace really are. If you have this idea that you need to be seated at a desk on a chair, think again... If you only knew where I was when I posted some of my fave posts you'd fall out laughing. I can't stop smiling just thinking about it. I may have to do a Wordy C was here series. Oh nooo! She's about to have another Cow Pie moment (LOL). ;-)

Carla M-J, the "new" dialed in is sooooo cool and instant. It's a very useful tool when used appropriately. I've actually been able to help people simply by providing them access and answers on the fly. It beats telling someone I have to call you back, then not being able to reach them later.

Erica, no way. Very sensitive about distracted divers. I recently lost my cousin because of a distracted driver accident. She was 29. My gal pal is 29 and I am teaching her how to drive. I have a chauffeurs license and am pretty serious about about driving issues. I do realize a lot of ou guys are teasing me, which is very cool, but I don't wnt to give anyone the wrong impression about how I do what I do.

Then again, wrong impressions do make for very interesting conversations (LMAO). ;-)

David, having flipped in a car and having been dangled in a bus hanging half off the road about to fall into the Black River in Salters SC because of a tractor trailer blowing through a Stop sign, you are correct in your assumption that I definitely do not want to be flying off a cliff (LOL). I sort of have an idea of what that feels like. Oh my word, where on earth did you get that picture?

C,

You are too funny.  I can only imagine where you may have been posting.  I know I have experienced many of the situations you described since my Internet has been having issues for a little over a month.  I am willing to try to get on the net at nearly any location.....

Ann

LOL @ Donna. I love my virtual office. Now if I can just fall in love with a virtual assistant my virtual life would be complete (LMAO).

I am in the car right now blogging while watching the sun slowly go down. I am also waiting for my friend to finish her last two cases so we can plan our schedules for tomorrow and both go home. I always make it my business to let people know where I am working and check on my friends while they are working if I am in an area. I am very protective of my brick and mortars. Friends are the family you get to pick for yourself. I love my virtual family as well and enjoy my play and work time in the Rain. I have met the most amazing people here... You are one of them. :-)

Do not squander your social media opportunities people. Pick your friends wisely and forgive them of their flaws. The right person will enrich your life 100 fold. Blogging is so much more than trolling for business. I am a perfect example of that. My kids get me more referrals than my market reports (LOL). :-) 

I read every word and loved this whole commentary. Inspiring, informative & fun... and now you do have me thinking about SPRINT! Thanks for all the sharing :-)

SarahGray, I agree. David and TLW are a real hoot (LOL). :-)

Missy, one day I shall have an iPhone on one ear and a Blackberry on the other (LOL). Excessive? Maybe... maybe not... One business phone and one personal would be really nice. Having my cell phone calls running amuck all on one line can get a bit irritating when you are trying to talk to your friends and clients wont stop calling you. Some get mad when you don't click through after hours. I just have to figure out which one would be the bat phone for my kids and which one would be for the rest of you (LMAO). I dream of a private minion line all the time. Learn something new, did ya? Haaaaa! :-)

Mara, lovely to have you visiting. It was a tough decision because ATT had a nice promotion going on and I am always hanging out at a Starbucks for the ATT WiFi (LOL). I have been with Sprint since day one and have never left them for another cell phone carrier. Hubby bounced around and finally decided I needed to add him to my plan. Not kidding. My refusal to budge finally made an impression on him. It has been so long I can't even remember my first phone number with them (LOL).

Come to think of it, every time I changed a phone I changed a number. Bummer. I do remember my first phone was mad expensive but lovely. I cried when the sound failed on it. It was an awesome Motorola! Now, I will take any phone that survives Stephen the Minion Blur's ritualistic sacrifice of electronics (ROTFL). My Sprint Rant is actually still alive and kicking so I am impressed with that puppy. He drowned it, tossed it from a moving car (while we were leaving the garage) and recently gave it a shower. I am still yelling my head off on it and they still watch the Disney channel when they are not trying to send text messages to God only knows who and where. Ever get a text from a three year old? Seriously. He also speed dials my mother at 2AM every so often (LOL). It's been through quite a bit and still works so I may get Mikey a Rant because he is due an upgrade. VERY Cool. :-) 

Melissa Z, I am in love with all things Apple. Apple Computer is a very sexy tech corp. We are talking Geek Love here people. Seriously...(LOL).

Judy, when I get a chance I am going to call you so we can chat about Sprint. I think you should look at all of the plans and see which ones best suit your budget. I may be a little biased simply because I like what I like. I don't know what your set ups are, so I want to be fair to the other carriers because they may have a nice deal for you if you upgrade to a wireless air card expanding a current plan. Just sayin... :-)

Lyn, I was howling with laughter when I saw that car. Been there but didn't quite do that was my first thought. Then I found myself thanking God that I am still alive after all the crap that I have been through. I love irony but funny can be bitter sweet when you think of the ones who didn't make it... I was laughing and then I started crying because my cousin recently died from a distracted driver accident. I laugh at myself a lot because I am quirky that way but am also comfortable enough to cry in public once in a while if it really matters... I'm hoping as people read this they will realize it really is okay to joke so long as they are not texting and tweeting at red lights. To lose a loved one because someone is fiddling with a knob or cell phone is a hard thing people... Everyone who cares will have to live with the loss for the rest of their lives... 

Liz Flint, I am soooo taking you over (LOL). First you are going to join Club Chaos so I can keep an eye on you. Sent you an invite. Go check your e-mail. Then you and I are going to have a little chat about Google Juice... BTW, I play phone tag a lot so do not be surprised if you discover me on the other end of your line. I call everywhere. Even China (LMAO). Yes, it's true, my phone bill is outrageous at times. So far it has been worth every single penny. ;-)

I joke about "pimping your blog" all the time but the reality is I really do do it (LMAO). It's fun and I am going to show you how. That's what we Ambassadors do. We hook you up with a Rainmaker account and we mentor you on how to use it. No two mentors are exactly alike. Each one brings something unique to the table. I am the be original and be yourself chick who writes about anything. I mean ANYTHING (LOL). That means when we do talk the conversation can go anywhere. I tend to surprise people because I am usually not what they think. You can surprise people the same way simply by realizing people only know what you tell them, show them or they hear from someone else. Tell us what you want us to know. Take us on a journey OF your mind. The meeting of the minds is where people connect. Your words will lead us down a path of ideas and if you paint a picture with them using universal items people can put themselves in your shoes and understand your emotions. People Google what they are looking for. If you write about what interests you, then people interested in the same thing will eventually find you.

1- You have to decide who you are, 2- what you want to share and 3- what you want to keep private. Once you put your digital fence up and have made some rules for yourself, the next step is to draft a free flow of your thoughts. What ever comes to mind and I do not care how many times you change directions. The most important thing is that you write without being critical of yourself. After you look at what you have, decide which thoughts belong together and which thoughts might make a separate blog post. Save all of your thoughts and do not be quick to disregard the fact that you took the time to write them down. That is the number one reason why people do not blog. they are too busy throwing themselves and their ideas away because they fear having a conversation with the unknown reader. You want to write? Have a conversation with yourself and share it. Build each series of posts up as if you are talking to someone you know. Writing a blog should be like picking up the phone to have a conversation with a friend. Sometimes I write one and sometimes I write five in the same sitting simply because I think of the people I am writing to and write to them. It's not because I am trying to write, it's actually because I have something to say so I start by just saying it. 

It's not hard. When you read this, write me a blog post and tell me what you like and don't like about what I have just asked you to do. Have a conversation with me in public. We can play blog tag (LOL). Why do you think Club Chaos is so busy? We talk every single day to each other, not just the consumer. We look for each other every single day. When you start having conversations with specific people, others join in. I am looking forward to being your friend so go write me a blog post. Tell me something about what you like and dislike. Don't worry about being new, just talk in the open to me, your new friend. Wanna learn something about me to get yourself comfy? Check out my Outside Blog here. :-)

Bonnie, you have all the time in the world. Use the tools that make you happy. :-)

Ryan, I wish I had a blackberry to be addicted to. My kids kill electronics. Cell phones float just like boats is a mantra of my three year old (LOL). 

LOL @ Steve K. I know what you mean about the coffee shops. I think the 20 LBS I am trying to dump comes from my donut fetish (LOL). 

LOL @ Bob and Carolin. The clip board thing is a real hoot. It's amazing the places you can get into without no one asking you a single thing. If you ever have to take a picture you want to be the one holding the clipboard and pointing at something (LOL). Trust me. The pointing seals the deal and the newsletter quote will suddenly become about you leading what ever is going on simply because it looks like you are explaining things to the rest of the people who are just standing there even if you are not. Why? Because the person with the clipboard is working and walking with something that requires immediate attention. Clipboards = agenda (LMAO). ;-)

LOL @ Jennifer. I am sooo gonna keep getting "driving while laptopping" jokes for the rest of the week, eh? I see the handwriting on the digital wall with this one (LMAO) ;-)

Wow girly... I missed out, but here I am finally... This is such a great post. Cannot believe you did install that hidden camera LOL

I have texted and talked from the tub but don't remember whether I've tweeted. Maybe I have.  Maybe I will.

I know what you mean about hotspots though, I've done the Starbucks thing (luv luv luv their Godiva Hot Chocolate)  and I love Panera Bread (no limit). 

I'm not sure whether someone mentioned this but when you're actually running your biz from your car, you'll need a charger adapter and I'm not too good with prices but I believe it was about $50 at Best Buy.  So you can charge your laptop right from your car "cigarette lighter".  I don't drive and use the laptop but sometimes you have to wait on a parking lot or something.  For those who are directionally challenged and get lost in spite of their Garmin GPS LOL, stopping to search for directions online kind of helps.

BTW...I've also got Sprint. I use their World Edition Blackberry and I love it!

xoxo hugs xoxo smiles xoxo muah  Kiss those little ones for me.

OMG - $50 dollars at Best Buy??? Sweetie, I went to the gaming section at Target and picked mine up for less than $10. Oh my word... That is a heck of a mark up! Seriously. Get your chargers from Target people! (LOL).

Elayna my lovely, I have iPhone and Blackberry envy. One day... I shall have them both one day... Hopefully as soon as Stephen grows older and stops floating my cell phone like a boat in the tub and toilet (LOL). ;-)

Chris, the next time I come to Philly to see my nephew, cousins, uncle or Susan Mangigian I will take your number and give you a call. There are a lot of really neat options out there. If I wasn't doing the music and film I would probably have gone with a miniature mobile package. I like the wide screen of the notebook and routinely flip through several tabs of social media in a single sitting so I guess I will stick with this for a while.

Carra R, you may have to teach me how to be a bottom line kinda gal as well. We should hook up. I love the concept of Cosmic Cow Pie (LOL). I plan on having a field day with it (LMAO). You're the CCP boss of me (LOL). ;-)

William James what is it with our little men and their fascination with playing in the toilet??? I spend so much time trying to talk him out of it I am exhausted. Sometimes I stand in the hall pointing towards the front door and simply bark, "GET OUT!" He always gives me this maniac laugh as if he knows I will never let his 3 year old butt leave the premises unescorted. Dude will dance in his diaper giggling with the "yeah, right" look. "You know you love me. Pick me up, woman... Kiss and carry me around. Do your Mommy job..." (LOL) I am such a push over with these kids. They don't take me seriously. Even in drill Sgt mode (LMAO). Paramilitary training is a joke compared to the training a 3 year old unleashes (ROTFL). All couples should volunteer at a day care before they have kids. Just sayin' yall need to brace yourselves for reality. Cute and cuddley can turn to Tazmanian Devil in the blink of an eye. Don't take your eyes off of the electronics. Seriously (LOL). ;-)

I am laughing so hard.  I do shop at Target and I know it's brilliant. I got that charger like 2 years ago, so don't quote me on the price LOL

The more I read about your tazmanian babies, the more I want to have a boy!  Sounds like so much fun! My girls are fun and playful and girlie, of course, so less action and more emotion. The'd like a tazmanian little brother around the house, too LOL

Love you mama!

Elayna, I love you dearly and your virtual nephews will be down for a visit to FL in December. Feel free to keep 'em for as long as you like (ROTFL). They will probably follow your lovely little ladies all day. My boys love the ladies. Stephen expects to be kissed multiple times a day (LOL). I am soooo gonna be in trouble when they get older. Seriously... ;-)

That's awesome! I can't wait to meet all of you! Elyssa loves "chocolate boys", as she says (she made a little boy cry at his bday party because she was chasing him around to kiss him - she wasn't even 2.  She was like "mami, I want to taste the chocolate boy") LOL  Both my girls are very affectionate and I want to kiss them much, too!  Come on Stephen!  BTW, I plan to get a shot gun or a very scary husband for "teen times" LOL neither are appealing to me, so I'm in trouble!

LOL @ Elayna. Hell honey, you don't need nothing unappealing. Call TLW and me. We will come over and interrogate the little prospects for you. We pistol packing Mamas have got to stick together to protect the wee ones (LOL). Besides, my kids would probably want to date your kids anyway. Talk about irony and having your hands full (LMAO). We will have to make a special teen division of your Positive Mommy Club. You are the boss. Wonder what you're gonna call it. You do not want me to name it. Seriously... Pistol Packing Positive Mommies is just not marketable (ROTFL). It would be cosmic and chaotic, my fave themes of late (LOL). May scare off a few decent prospects as well. We can't have that, now can we? :-)

The cool thing about relocating to God's Waiting Room (e.g. FL) is most of my law enforcement buddies are already retired there and a bunch more are coming down from New York after us. Anyone mess with the kids of the bay-bays are gonna have their hands full. Seriously. I have two hundred officers on speed dial. NSA has nothing on me when I mobilize my guys. Word of mouth travels very fast among the crew. Especially if there is free food involved (LOL). You should see the Family Day functions we throw up here. The parks are a mob scene full of kids and food and a bunch of parents acting as if we're running a military feeding for the insane at the asylum of fun and games. We have walkie talkies and everything. The perimeter checks are hysterical: "3 year old in the south quadrant at 2 o'clock - save the dog, save the dog, save the dog! Don't let him throw the hot dogs in the dirt! OMG - is he carrying a beer? Don't let him open it! Whose kid is that? Bad pamper alert..." ;-)

I am laughing so hard I can't type.  Was dropping off the princesses at school.  Pistol Packing Positive Mommies....LOL I love you darling but NO.  I can't wait to get together with you so we can laugh out loud. No you don't have walkie talkies! LOL  You can't be serious! How long are you staying in "God's waiting room" (too funny)? Where exaclty are you going? I need to start planning!  YAYYYYYY

Elayna, we don't have an official move date. Mike may have to set up first. His sister Mona said they have been scoping for a spot for me to set up a firm (LOL). I can't imagine my family renting me a FL store. That is a very strange thought. Why are they thinking these things???

I want to work for a Rainer because I'll be a new jack in a new state doing new stuff while maintaining what I have in NY and SC. I don't need a store. I was thinking a really nice spot by the beach with my laptop (LOL). Why do people keep trying to tether me to a desk? Seriously...

We will be visiting in December. Of course, being retired, I guess I can show up just about anywhere at any given moment (LOL). When Mike retired in March I became a free-to-be-me Realtor. I go everywhere. I just don't blog about everything. Oh my word, imagine if I did. Waaaay too much information (as if I don't share enough already - LOL).

I love the idea of hooking up with so many of my fave people living in my computer. Brevard County will be our base of operations when we do invade FL. Mikey's family is in Palm Bay so I shall be freaking out the residents of Melbourne, Palm Bay and Orlando with minor daily excursions into Titusville and Miami. I like Jacksonville, Daytona and Tampa as well.

It's a given that I shall definitely be anywhere you, Chris Elizabeth Griffith, Jeanette Neerpat and TLW park. Seriously... I may be chasing Gail M and LaShawn as well... The Gail Rule is a whole other blog post. I shall be sending her a resume (Poor Gail - poor, poor FL - LMAO). ;-)

BTW, we really do play with our walkie talkies and CBs (LOL). The Spy Store in Manhattan has mad cool toys. I shall have to blog about my fave equipment places. Law enforcement friends can be mad fun (LMAO) :-)

LOL you're too funny. I've never been to Palm Bay so that'll be a great excuse. I've never met C. Elizabeth and I realize she's really close!! I'll see if I can connect with her. Anyways, I will be going to the D.R. for Christmas but I figure you'll be here before.

Working for a Rainer sounds great. I am so happy for you. Please call me when you have a chance (or when you MAKE a chance). I'd love to talk to you.  You're truly awesome C... xoxo

Ooooooo. Phone tag. You are soooo it lovely (LOL). Elayna, I will call you in a few. I'm chasing little minions trying to get them to eat chicken (LOL). Stephen is killing the rice and beans but wont touch meat. What is up with that??? My kids are a trip. :-)

:) sounds like you're cooking Dominican food. We had a ton of veggies and chicken with rice tonight.

xoxo

Mmmmmm. That sounds yummy. We're actually doing South American tonight. :-)

Ok, so I must not be TOTALLY addicted because I've only done #2 & #3 (so true about the laptop pillow).  However, I do need to do some work on my outside blog though.  It's a little neglected.  Think I will work on that this long weekend since hubby and I aren't going anywhere until Monday.

Donne, send me a link so I can see what you do with it. I am working on my Outside Blog as well. I have YouTubes I need to finish and a few new ones I am trying to create. :-)

Aircard, Blackberry, Laptop. I never miss a Raindate and am online - even when on vacation.  If I weren't, I could not leave my office and THAT'S non-negotiable!  There is no reason to feel stuck in the office!  I write every day, but sometimes wait to light 'em up until I have some additional clip art or photos.  I love getting together with my new friends on Active Rain!

--Sara in San Antonio

Sara, very cool. I love my ActiveRain family as well. I check whenever I can. :-)