Showing posts with label Oma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oma. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Up-Date - Hewlett-Packard (HP) Non-Support

Read Part One of this Saga by Clicking Here


UPDATE:  Wed 10/16/2013

Good News - I received my 690650-001 SPS-Assy USB 3.0 Port Replicator as promised.

Bad News - I still can not get it to work.

Unfortunately I can not waste anymore time on this right now - However, will call HP Tech Support again after I catch up on work a bit!

It seems simple enough, however the software will not even download on this on???????

UPDATE:  Tue 10/15/2013 1:48 PM

Well I stayed home waiting for that promised phone call in vain!  However, I did recieve this email:
Dear z smith, We are glad to inform you that the following parts from your recent Customer Self Repair (CSR) service event, 0624333068 have shipped through UPS, Next Day Air Service. Part Number: 690650-001 SPS-Assy USB 3.0 Port Replicator.
Will let you know if it arrives tomorrow!


Tue 10/15/2013 4:13 AM

Email from HPSupport_Global wfm@g6u0490c.atlanta.hp.com
Subject: HP - Confirmation of Parts Order

Dear **********,

This e-mail is to confirm your Customer Self Repair (CSR) service event with HP Services created at 10/7/13 15:07:00 for:

Serial number - **********
 Product ID - **********.

The following parts were request: 
 Part Number: 690650-001 SPS-Assy USB 3.0 Port Replicator
And will be delivered to: 
z smith
address
city, state, zip,

Phone: +1 **********

If any of this is incorrect, please contact our support team at +1-800-474-6836. When you call, please have your order number, ********** and case number, 4712051556, at hand.

This e-mail does not confirm that any of your requested parts have shipped. When your parts ship, a separate e-mail will be generated that will detail which parts were sent and provide the associated tracking numbers.

After your part has shipped you can expect a caIl from your Customer Care Advocate to ensure that the service event met all of your expectations and to assist in your part return. HP requires the return of the good and/or defective parts associated with your CSR event. The timely return of the part allows HP to handle them in an environmentally friendly manner and improve the quality of HP products. HP encourages you to return the part within 5 calendar days of receipt. A courtesy phone call will be made to you if the part is not returned within 5 calendar days

There was lots of other verbiage attached to this email – but the synopsis is HP will be shipping the replacement HP 3005 PR USB 3.0 Port Replicator – however it has not been shipped as yet. 

Not sure if they are going to call me or not - so I guess my plan to stay home and wait for that "phone call in 24 hours" is still on the agenda for today.

However,  the good news is they have all the photos they need. Oma will keep you updated. My guess is that I should see a working HP 3005 PR USB 3.0 Port Replicator within two days to a month! What is your estimation? 




********** was used on sensitive data

Monday, October 14, 2013

Hewlett-Packard (HP) Non-Support

HP Computer Support Does Not Have the Right Department


Where to start . . . . well let’s start from the beginning. I ordered a new computer from Cost-Co. I use my computer on the average of ten hours per day seven days a week and it was time for an upgrade.

My HP ENVY 15t Quad 1080p TouchSmart Laptop, Intel® Core™ i7-4700MQ 2.4GHz laptop arrived as promised and I am very happy with it. It is easy to use and so much faster than my old computer.

My sweet husband Paul suggested that I get a docking station so that the laptop could be used as a desk top as well. I called HP Support; explained what I wanted to do; and the nice lady sent me a link for a HP 3005 PR USB 3.0 Port Replicator. She explained that it would do everything I wanted!

The HP 3005 PR USB 3.0 Port Replicator was delivered last week on 10/07/2013. Paul and I tried to set it up but it did not work at all. Therefore I called the HP Tech Support. After they tried unsuccessfully to help set it up, they said that the replicator was faulty.

Ari, HP Tech Support person, issued me case number - #4712051556. They promised a replacement replicator which would reach me in two days.

10/08/2013 I received this email from CSR Order Validation :

Good Day: You have ordered 1 SPS- USB 3.0 Port Replicator on 10/7/2013. Please follow the attached link below and fill out the web form so that your order may be processed. Please submit your verification form today to ensure your order is processed in a timely manner. Please ensure that you are filling out both of these sections correctly in the URL.

I completed their form immediately and attached the photo they requested.


HP 3005 PR USB 3.0 Port Replicator
(Numbers Blurred On Purpose)

Two days later, another email was received. This one, also from CSR Order Validation csr_order_web_validation@hp.com, stated:

Greetings, Thank you for your response, however we need a picture of the serial number tag that is affixed to the outside of your Hewlett-Packard device you are requesting warranty parts for.

Please reply directly to this email and attach either submit a copy of your proof of purchase or a picture of the serial number tag.

Therefore I sent them this photo:

HP 3005 PR USB 3.0 Port Replicator
Numbers Blurred On Purpose


10/14/2013 - I was patiently awaiting the arrival of my HP 3005 PR USB 3.0 Port Replicator. Therefore, imagine my disappointment when this email arrived:

Greetings, Thank you for your response, however we need a picture of the actual serial number tag that is attached to the HP computer you are requesting warranty parts for. Please reply directly to this email and attach either submit a copy of your proof of purchase or a picture of the serial number tag that is affixed to your Hewlett-Packard device you are requesting warranty parts for.

Okay, now I am confused – do you want a photo of the HP 3005 PR USB 3.0 Port Replicator that I am requesting you replace because it is defective and never worked? Or do you need the serial number tag that is attached to an HP computer?

I have a brand new HP Laptop, however I am not requesting warranty parts for it . . . .

I thought I had better call the tech guy again and get clarification as to what they really want.

Conversation with HP Computer Tech #1


It is now 10/14/13 and I still do not have the replicator. I tried to call the tech that helped me first (Avi 1-800-334-5144). Off course the HP telephone lines were experiencing heavy traffic and I had to wait my turn.

Even though I called the telephone number I was given by my original tech, once I spoke to a person, I was told I got the wrong department; they transferred me to 1-800-474-6836.

Conversation with HP Computer Tech #2

Again the lines were busy and I had a lengthy wait. After explaining my situation again, Mathew told I had the wrong department and transferred me to 1-888-237-8454. 


Conversation with HP Computer Tech #3

After yet another lengthy wait for a tech, I explained my situation and give my case number to Angel. You guessed it, Angel put me on hold so that she could connect me with the right department.

Conversation with HP Computer Tech #4

That brought me to Lope at 800-474-6836. However, she could not locate my case number. She wanted to start over. Nope I said, Mathew found it and Angel found it – try again . . . . Awe she found my case number . . . . yup you guessed it – she has to transfer me to the right department

I told Lope enough – please give me a supervisor – she did not do it . . . she quickly transferred me to Lata at 1.800.334.5144.

Conversation with HP Computer Tech #5

So then I was speaking to Lata (not a supervisor a tech support) whose phone number is 1.800.334.5144.

Wait a minute - 800.334.5144 is the first number I called on this gloomy odyssey. 

 

I begged to speak to a supervisor. Lata could not do that – I was required to give her all the info I supplied all the other techs I spoke to.

Lata sees that I have sent in the photos requested . . . . Lata (you guessed it) put me on hold so that she could talk to the “right people” in the right department to help me with my problem!

After another lengthy wait on hold, Lata says that she found the right department but now they are closed! She will call me back within the next 24 hours after the right department opens and she can talk to them and find out why they are not sending me the replacement.

You have to admit that this tale is sadly funny. I was going to get my nails done tomorrow, but had better wait by the phone for my “transfer to the next right department!”

How has your experience with HP Support been? Leave me a comment – Positive or negative. 


I will post an update as soon as my adventures with HP Tech Support progresses.  However, at this point Oma does not love  Hewlett-Packard Support.

Free Christmas E-Book
But Hurry

A House Before Christmas
It is really never too early prepare for Christmas. Especially when there is an awesome opportunity for a FREE Kindle Christmas Book for your favorite toddler!

I downloaded and read, “A House Before Christmas” this morning. It is a short quick read – perfect for a rainy day activity with a curious child. Be forewarned however, this story mirrors some stark reality not usually in children’s stories.

However, that is one of the main reasons I found this story so refreshing! What an awesome introduction for youngsters into the all too adult reality of homelessness!

Correctly utilized, this book could be a meaningful tool to invite dialog, learning and understanding of homeless people, friendship, and kindness.

Book Description:
A House Before Christmas is a children's Christmas Story about Tommy Mouse and his 2 friends Mary Cricket and Purdy Mole. 2 days before Christmas Tommy has lost his home in the old farmhouse he loved. He was planning a Christmas Eve party for his two friends. Now he has to find another place to live, and before Christmas Eve! For ages 3 and up. Charming hand-drawn and hand-painted illustrations.

FREE Christmas E-Book (Click Here) 

 If you want this book for free,
hurry because it will only be free today and tomorrow.


After downloading and reading this book, please take a moment to give this author a review on Amazon.

Also, please leave a comment on this post and let me know what you thought of “A House Before Christmas” (You could just copy and paste your Amazon Review!)

I cannot wait to read this with Reef Indy.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Reef Indy at the Valley Center
Skate Park Fundraiser

A beautiful SoCal Saturday - Skateboarding at the Park
A beautiful SoCal Saturday - Skateboarding at the Park

Skateboarding is a 2.5-billion dollar industry and has become a vital part of urban communities. A skatepark can attract skateboarding tourists and with national health issues looming for today’s youth, it’s time to offer a greater number of healthy, athletic choices.

Healthy fun for kids of all ages!

In 2006, 42 people riding skateboards died. Of those, 40 of them were not in a skatepark and 27 of those involved a motor vehicle. In other words, of these 42 deaths, 40 of them might have been prevented had the person been skating in a skatepark instead of the streets.

Activism and change come in a variety of venues. To truly create social change, activism must happen locally as well as nationally. It can happen in small, everyday actions as well as creative ways using large-scale or far reaching venues like the media or social networking. 

Opa With Reef Indy
It is never too early to instill a sense of community awareness and activism in a child.

Reef Indy came out to ‘Support our Youth and Help Make Change Happen’ at 28246 Lilac Road Valley Center CA 92082.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

FREE Box of Kraft Mac & Cheese!

If your name is Smith – You can get a free coupon (arv $1.65) redeemable for one Kraft Macaroni & Cheese product today!


FREE Kraft Macaroni & Cheese product

Every day through October 16th, you can head over to the Kraft Noodle Reunion website and check to see if you can score a FREE Box of Kraft Mac & Cheese! You will be eligible ONLY if your last name matches. Be sure to check back every day to see if your last name matches! You must verify your last name via Facebook.

It was easy and it was fun. I got my FREE Box of Kraft Mac & Cheese! Now I am going to let all my fellow SMITHs know about this freebie!

FREE Kraft Macaroni & Cheese product

Thursday, October 3, 2013

America takes notice of Joey Prusak

Joey Prusak with Queen Latifah
Joey Prusak is only nineteen years old and already an inspiration to the youth of America . . . . well more accurately to Americans of all ages.

Just in case you missed it, Prusak’s name went viral when he displayed good morals and good manners while performing his job.

The Hopkins, Minnesota Dairy Queen employee saw a blind customer drop a $20 bill, which promptly found its way into the purse of another customer -- after she picked it up and slipped it in there. When the woman attempted to order her food, Prusak refused to serve her unless she returned the money. Claiming it belonged to her, Prusak asked the woman to leave.

The 19-year-old then gave the blind customer $20 out of his own pocket, and the world took notice. After another customer witnessed Prusak's kind act and sent an email to Dairy Queen, his story quickly went viral and caught the attention of mainstream media, who hailed the good samaritan.

Queen Latifah, a noted NASCAR fan had Prusak on her show to congratulate him for doing the right thing and to reward him for his courageous actions.

Kevin Harvick, winner of the 2007 Daytona 500, recorded a message for Prusak, played on Latifah's show.

NASCAR is proud of your recent acts of kindness and courage," said Harvick, "On behalf of NASCAR and the Daytona International Speedway, I'd like to personally invite you to attend the Daytona 500. As a past Daytona 500 champion, I look forward to seeing you at the Great American Race.

Many have reached out to Prusak, but perhaps none more high-profile than Warren Buffett, whose company owns Dairy Queen.

I started laughing (when he called). Who knew it was going to be the real Warren Buffet?" Prusak told Latifah that Buffet said to him, "I'm really proud of what you did and I'd like to invite you to our shareholders meeting in May, you can be Dairy Queen's guest.

@joey prusak currently only has 608 Followers
 Let’s get that number higher.


Please Follow @joeyprusak on twitter and ask your friends and family to do the same!  Leave me a comment if you started following this amazing example of American NASCAR Youth!

You can also connect with Joey on his Facebook page.

I will be sure to continue to follow Joey Prusak and hope my grandson will grow up  as ethical as Joey.

(Prusak is also an amateur racer, running some events at Minnesota's premier NASCAR Hometrack venue)

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Two Free EBooks from Kite Readers

Not a deal to be missed!



 
Two of Kite Readers' best children's illustrated stories, are available Free for a limited time. Read them on iPad, Kindle Fire, Android Tablet, Mac or PC.

Click Here To Get Started

  1. You will receive “Julio Bunny and the Foreign Lion” when you sign up for Kite Reader’s Newsletter
  2. Receive your second Free EBook “Sleepy Hollow and the Road You'd Better Not Follow“after you invite 5 Facebook Friends to like Kite Reader.

Julio Bunny and the Foreign Lion


There's a new character in town! Meet Lenny the Lion! Join Julio Bunny and his friends as they graciously welcome Lenny to their town and learn about their new, foreign friend. This heart warming tale demonstrates the power of hospitality and kindness, and shows that even though you may not speak the same language, you can always make a new friend!

Sleepy Hollow and the Road
You'd Better Not Follow


Have you heard about the road you'd better not follow? Let's take a walk through the deep, dark hollow! Legend says a headless horseman wants your head. I don't think he's aware that he's actually dead!  The Legend of Sleepy Hollow comes to life and turns into a chilling nightmare. This fun and frightening adventure is a night like no other for two curious friends who go in search of the legendary Headless Horseman.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Valley View Casino - Jackpot

Oma and Opa took a quick break from the bustle of everyday life and headed to the casino last night.
Valley View Casino & Hotel, Southern California's premiere gaming destination, combines the thrill of 2000 of San Diego's only Certified Loose slots and your favorite table games with beautiful luxury hotel rooms, seven delicious restaurants and impeccable guest service. Take a step away from the ordinary and take in every detail we offer, from free live entertainment nightly, breathtaking views, expertly-prepared meals, remarkable amenities and so much more.
Valley View Casino - Jackpot


Well the slots paid off well for us last night. The photo above is of my biggest jackpot of the evening – Oma won $172.00 on a 50 cent bet!

Valley View Casino -  It was a fun evening that included a “free lobster buffet!”


Free Children's E-Book by Spencer Cluff

Newt Newsberry Black Ops Campaign


Free Children's E-Book - Short description


An average kid, with average friends, takes on the extraordinary goal in becoming America's FIRST kid senator but he must first get through the evil and powerful mayor, Mort Axes, a man who has never lost a fight and will win at all costs. But Newt gets some help from some unlikely friends. Meet them all, starting with Hu Flung Pu, "T-Bone", Alistair Crumpet, and Brooke McVitty.

Author Spencer Cluff

Having a middle grade son that blows through the Wimpy Kid, Big Nate books I felt the market needed more books in that style. Those other books come out annually and a few books for an entire year just does not fill that need of even an average reader. My books are longer than the others currently out there (8-10,000 more words) and I also use a secret code throughout that the kids can use to see the messages between the characters not written in the book. I thought it would be fun to bring back the top secret decoder of the old days and makes the book unique.

Click Here to Get Your Free Children’s E-Book

 Use coupon code AF55C at the checkout to get it free

 

 Newt Newsberry Black Ops Campaign

 

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Grandparent Plays Critical Role

Reef enjoys his homemade quilt
In this day of frequent job transfers and a global business economy, many families are forced to maintain long-distance family relationships. However, one cannot discount the value of a Oma – Kleinkind (Grandmother-Grandchild) Relationship.

Reef - 2 Weeks Old
Grandparents have come to be known as “secondary attachment figures.” According to the article “Back to the Future: How Early Attachments Shape Your Relationships” in the Summer 2007 issue of Attachment Parenting: The Journal of Attachment Parenting International, all attachments whether parent-child or grandparent-grandchild play a crucial role in shaping what a child’s perspective of what “normal” relationships are like.

But even grandparents whose grandchildren do not live with them can have a critical role in supporting their grandchildren’s parents. Grandparents can be great sources of parenting tips and affordable childcare to their grandchildren’s parents.

What Determines a Strong Grandparent-Grandchild Bond?

These elements prove to be crucial in developing a strong grandparent-grandchild relationship:

  1. The child feeling a sense of emotional closeness to his grandparent;
  2. The child having regular contact with his grandparent;
  3. The child viewing his grandparent as a source of social support.
Oma and Reef - Bonding Time

Oma is blessed to have Baby Reef close by. Since his birth, Reef, my first grandchild, (two weeks old) has made me more peaceful and appreciative each day. What a joy. Oma looks forward to nurturing that special Oma – Kleinzoon relationship. 

Opa gets Reef to smille


Friday, September 20, 2013

Check your mood - Keep Smiling

I absolutely love and live by this piece of child rearing advice:

Cranky Baby?  Check Your Mood:

Children take many emotional cues from their parents. That’s why cheerfulness is one of the best ways to respond to a cranky child (newborn), and why a big smile is often the easiest way to sweeten a sour face. But it’s difficult to provide the emotional sunshine your child may need when you’re in a bad mood or when the pressures of the day are making you cranky and short-tempered yourself. If your child seems persistently unhappy, do a quick assessment to see if you may be part of the problem, and then take a few moments to calm your mind and reset your attitude.

When grand-baby Reef Indy gets fussy and cries, Oma first makes sure his needs are met (dry diaper . . . correct temperature . . .); then Oma just relaxes and talks to the newborn.  

It is important to remember that a crying baby who can't easily be soothed can put a lot of stress on the adult caretaker.  You need to remember that crying is normal and take the time to take a few good deep breathes before soothing the child.

Happy Grandson - No Crying
 Hello Oma - I am two weeks old today!
The more calm and confident you are in the situation, the easier it will be for your charge to return to his/her happy state.


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Free Ruby Tuesday’s Cheeseburgers


Oma is the only person in Reef's Escondido Family who eats meat.  Both Mom and Dad are vegetarians.  Even Opa has stopped eating meat.  While Oma has cut back on eating red meat, a good burger or patty melt does capture the palate every once in a while.

That is why a "Free Cheeseburger at Ruby Tuesdays" sounds perfect for Oma. This Wednesday is National Cheeseburger day and Ruby Tuesday will be giving away a possible 100,000 free cheeseburgers.





Be Sure to Thank Ruby Tuesday for their generosity

Like Ruby Tuesday on Facebook
Follow Ruby Tuesday on Twitter




*Reminder, if you get the free cheeseburger, be kind and don’t forget to tip your waiter or waitress, they still have to work hard!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Reef's First Halloween Outfit

With a name like Reef - what could be more appropriate.

chasing fireflies Catalog Photo

If you have a little guppy at home, here's a costume you could have lots of "fin" with. Our delightfully plush hooded bunting has a full front closure and soft teeth around the face. Polyester, polyester-cotton. Imported. One size fits 0/6m. (text from the chasing fireflies catalog)

U Can Find It Here

****WARNING:  Oma ordered Reef Indy's outfit today because she received a free shipping offer in the mail.  I was going to buy it anyway, but the free shipping offer got me on it!

However, forgetting that you always have to read the small print and even though the online shopping cart reported that my "Free Shipping Code" had been accepted - I was charged the full price.   My order did not total $50.00 or more.


*Free ground shipping on orders of $50 or more that are placed by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, September 16, 2013. Enter promo code BOOFREE in step 2 of the checkout process
 

After calling their customer service center, the nice lady who answered the phone stated that there was nothing that they could do for me.  

Oma will let you know about the quality of this product as soon as it arrives.



Talcuim Powder or Cornstach?

Last night Oma and Opa enjoyed watching their kleinzoon (grandson), Reef Indy. This session was much more tranquil. Reef only got fussy once when he was hungry and  after each bowel movement.


Since Reef’s mommy is breast-feeding, Reef’s poop is mustard colored, seedy, and runny. His diaper area looked a tad irritated and chances were Reef was starting to develop a little diaper rash. The best defense against diaper rash is a dry bottom, so Oma changed Reef’s diaper as soon as possible after it became wet or soiled.

Disposable diapers have come a long way since 1961 when Victor Mills, a P&G chemical engineer, first created a disposable diaper to help him better care for his own grandson. The Pampers we are using have a “Color-changing Wetness Indicator” which makes wetness detection much easier. When the yellow line on Reef’s diaper changes to a blue line, Oma knows it is time to change Reef’s diaper; sure beats placing a finger inside a soiled diaper!

Reef Indy - Age 9 Days

Since Reef is a natural baby – Oma put a little organic corn starch on his bottom between changings. Oma heard that talcum powder dust could be harmful to a child's lungs. Therefore, we chose to use cornstarch. Oma put the cornstarch onto her hand, away from Reef’s face (never directly on or near him) and gently rubbed the corn starch on his bottom to help absorb moisture.*

Reef Indy's Dad & Mom

When Mommy and Daddy returned to collect Baby Reef Indy, he was happy and serenely sleeping in his swing.




*At every diaper change, carefully wash away any powder that accumulates in the folds of your child's skin.

Talcum powder is usually made up of various combinations of zinc stearate, magnesium silicates, as well as other silicates which are finely ground. The size of particles is so small that they are both easily carried in the air like dust and can reach even the smallest areas of the lung.

There have been numerous reports of babies having life-threatening episodes from inhaling the powder. And in fact, there have been many deaths reported from aspiration of the powder. A good number of these cases occurred during a diaper change when adult supervision is usually very high. But as every parent knows (including myself), infants and toddlers can be awfully quick sometimes, so reaching for and spilling the powder bottle is not such a hard thing to do for the little ones.

So, clearly talc can cause pneumonia, inflammation (or swelling) of the airways of babies, and even death. But what about cancer? When the link to asbestos and cancer came to light, it was noticed that a lot of the exposure to asbestos was accompanied by other inhalable fibers and dust including talc. However, a specific link to talc exposure and lung cancer has not been established. On the other hand, there has been some interesting research into a possible link of talc to ovarian cancer. (Robert W. Steele, MD, is a board certified pediatrician)

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Disney Characters
FREE Autographed Pictures


Oma read that you can send a letter to Disney asking for autographs and they will send them to you!  What a great idea for Reef Indy's Christmas Stocking.  Oma is going to send off her request this weekend because it will probably take four to six weeks for them to respond.


Below are the addresses to send the letters to Disney World and/or Disney Land:

Walt Disney World Communications
P.O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

Walt Disney Company
Attn: Fan Mail Department
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521

Oma will follow up on this post as soon as she gets a response.

Get your FREE Autographed Picture of
Your Favorite Disney Character !!!


Source

Friday, September 13, 2013

FREE Snicker-Bites

If you are on Facebook and like Snickers; be sure to check this out.



Not sure how long it will last, but Oma was successful in snagging a  free bag! 
 

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Which path will these tiny feet
stamp upon?


Three Generations of Smiths - Dad Zack and Opa frame Baby Reef’s Feet
Future skateboarder or plumber or racecar driver like his uncle Moses? A combination of all three?
 
Which path will these tiny feet stamp upon?  Reef’s voyage began yesterday – his world will be filled with love and comfort; safe in the knowledge that his path is lined by the persons, who like trees, will stand tall to willingly shade his way.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Congratulations Diana Nyad
Never Give Up

Not sure if Diana Nyad is a grandmother, however at age 64 she is an inspiration to this Oma. 

Endurance swimmer Diana Nyad, right, and her trainer Bonnie Stoll hug
after Nyad walks ashore in Key West, Fla. after swimming from Cuba.
(J. Pat Carter / Associated Press / September 2, 2013)
The #1 Google search in the world on September 23-24, 2011 was the then 62-year-old Diana Nyad's valiant attempt to swim the seemingly impossible 103 miles between Cuba and Florida, without a shark cage. 1.3 million Twitter fans followed Diana as she lived out the message of living life large and chasing our dreams, no matter our age. Despite potentially deadly Box Jellyfish stings, Diana courageously continued toward the other shore for 41 long hours, eventually compromised by the physical effects of the stings.

Diana is not one to quit. August 2012, a year later, she again faced the seemingly impossible, this time with a secret weapon: a jellyfish suit, a thin nylon covering that prevents stings. But again, Diana's Xtreme Dream was not to be. She swam 51 hours, 5 minutes, much of the country following her every stroke. Again the jellyfish attacked, striking her repeatedly on the lips, where the nylon suit opens to allow her to breathe. There were life-threatening lightning storms. Large sharks circled below her. The powerful Gulf Stream current literally spun the Teams fleet compasses in circles, shoving Diana on a winding route of nearly 100 miles through the water!

However, never giving up, last Monday the 64-year old athlete made her extreme dream come true!

Two miles from the end of the swim Monday morning, Nyad stopped to address her support crew.

"This is a lifelong dream of mine and I'm very very glad to be with you," she told her team, according to an update on her website. "Some on the team are the most intimate friends of my life and some of you I've just met. But I'll tell you something, you're a special group. You pulled through; you are pros and have a great heart. So let's get going so we can have a whopping party."

In the end, emerging from the great big ocean wearing a blue swimming cap and goggles -- and having swum roughly 110 miles in 52 hours and 54 minutes -- Diana Nyad still had enough strength to walk ashore Monday.

Upon reaching shore at Smathers Beach in Key West, Fla., Nyad had three things to tell the mob of onlookers who had watched her achieve a lifelong dream.

“One is, we should never ever give up,” said a slightly dazed Nyad, whose slurred remarks were received with a roar by the crowd. “Two is, you’re never too old to chase your dreams.

“Three is, it looks like a solitary sport, but it’s a team," Nyad concluded and then was taken away on a stretcher for medical examination.

Congratulations Ms. Nyad! Oma thinks of you often as she swims her laps.

Membrane Sweep

You are never too old to learn! Oma had never heard of a Membrane Sweep. Nevertheless, they are a common option when a baby is over his/her due date.

A membrane sweep is a way of bringing on labor when you're overdue. During an internal examination, the doctor sweeps a finger around the cervix (neck of the womb). This action should separate the membranes of the amniotic sac surrounding your baby from the cervix. This separation releases hormones (prostaglandins) which may kick-start labor.

A membrane sweep increases the likelihood that labor will start within 48 hours. It has a higher chance of working if the cervix is already softening and preparing for labor. It doesn't increase the risk of infection for mommy or baby.



Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Such A Dilemma

Sonoma – 08/25/2012 — with Paul Smith, ZMom Smith,
Jake Koens, Sitara Wilson, Moses Smith and Devin Maxon.

Oma is getting ready for an exciting trip to the Sonoma Raceway to spend time with your Uncle Moses and Auntie Sitara. Uncle Moses is your Daddy’s big brother. Oma can’t wait to see Moses. However, at your mom’s doctor’s appointment, the doctor says that baby Reef could be born very soon. Oma really does not want to miss your arrival; such a dilemma.

Oma is not an expert; so google was consulted. It appears that cervical dilation is not a good indication of when exactly a mommy will have her baby.

A mommy can be 36, 37, or 38 weeks pregnant, 2 centimeters dilated and not have her baby for several weeks. On the other hand, the mommy can be 2 centimeters dilated and be in very early labor or pre-labor having a couple contractions an hour and maybe have a baby within the next couple days. The mommy can also be 2 centimeters dilated and be having very long, hard contractions that are close together. In this last scenario, that mommy will have her baby very soon. You can actually be in late labor or in transition, but your cervix hasn’t caught up yet and is showing early labor.

In other word – Baby Reef’s arrival remains a mystery. Research tells Oma that it’s not uncommon for a mommy to be up to 2 centimeters dilated several weeks before giving birth!



Oma is going to enjoy her trip to the Formula Car Challenge West presented by Goodyear Race 11 & Race 12 at Infineon Raceway. Uncle Moses’ Series (Formula Mazda) is a Special Support Race for the Indy Gran Prix of Sonoma!

Be an understanding baby and wait for your Oma and Opa to return home!