Tavern on the Green

This was a very lovely experience. The food was totally deliciouse and the scenery was great 

One day my Prince will come

Here's my Prince, a lovely gray dapple getting his daily work in by pulling carriages through Central Park. I recommend this to everyone. It was really nice. 

not Cinderella

Well, I'm not Cinderella but my Prince did come. He was the one pulling the carriage. 

My carriage awaits

While I was in NYC, this was the one thing I wanted to do and that was take a carriage ride through Central Park. It was lovely. 

Lesson 14 "Microsoft Office Access 2003" the book

Write a short review of your textbook - be critical. What did you think of the author? the format of the book? how did you like the accompanying CD or appendices? Did you find it useful and informative?

I found the textbook and the format very technical and dry. I don't suppose it was meant to be fun but more so informative and seemed to be for more advanced users of Access than beginners. I ordered another book on Microsoft Access 2003 by mistake and after browsing through it noticed that the graphics helped the user see more of what was being accomplished by the actions and seemed more "user friendly" than this book. This book seemed heavy and maybe too much information for what the user really needed.

The author was well versed in the applications of Access and quite knowledgeable about giving instructions on how to accomplish the tasks. I think the book was too wordy and she could have consolidated her thoughts better. One thing that was helpful was that she provided pros and cons of various tasks so the user would be aware of certain risks such as the system administrator being disabled or enabled if one wanted to share information.

The CD seemed to have a lot of the same information that could already be found on the Microsoft online help, so I didn't find that as useful.

Lesson 12 Data Exchange

Do a search on the Internet: what are the limitations of exchanging database objects and text using Access 2003?

Items being exchanged may not always be compatible with each other and this may limit text exchanges with Access. Also when using mail merge within WORD, only tables and queries are acceptable formats for Access objects. It seems easier to export information from Access than to import information but it really depends on the programs being used to exchange database objects and text.

Is there anything you cant do?

You are not able to append imported data into existing tables, you must first import the table and then run an append query to add the information to the other table. You will get error messages if you try to do it any other way. When importing a form, you must be sure to include everything that is involved with that form which may include tables or queries. Failure to include all components of the form will result in error messages and failure to access the form as intended.

Why?

Access reads information used in other programs differently and some items may not be compatible.

What are the complications associated with sharing Access data and objects in a multi-user environment?

It can compromise the data in the database and there is less security when the information is shared between users. Also, setting up the right amount of security for each user so that they can do what they need to do within the datasheets. Adding new users and taking away users from the group can also cause complications.

Lesson 13 Security

What are the main things you can do to secure your Access database?

Password protecting your database is a good security measure as long as you don't forget your password, which I would say may be a security flaw, but that is with any program if the user forgets the password. Using a password with number and various symbols is a better method than using alpha characters alone. Changing the password at regular intervals also ensures better protection from break ins. There are multi levels of security and group user security measures that can also be used.

Why would you secure and Access database?

Securing an Access Database protects the integrity of the records and files held in the database. If there is sensitive material or confidential information in the database, you would want to take as many security precautions as possible to maintain the integrity of the material and keep the information out of the hands of the wrong people. Our data base is behind a firewall and we have a designated Sequal Server to protect that information.


Does Access have any security flaws? What are they?

There is a built-in system administrator log on and if that is not disabled, anyone can get to the database. If a person is not aware of this feature, it could be detrimental to vital information.

Customize Lesson 11

What do you think are the most interesting ways to customize menus and toolbars? Why? (re-read chapter 20 for more information).


Arranging the items in groups for what you use the most is the most interesting way to customize menus and toolbars. Each computer user has their own style of working and being able to customize your programs to your specification makes the use of the programs more efficient and the user more productive.

The best thing about customizing menus and toolbars is that you have what you need available without having to search for it. They can be arranged in the order that you use them the most and commands that are used most often can be added and less used items can be removed. Menus can be made just the way you want them and shortcut menus can be used as needed. Controls can be modified according to the way you use them and in particular groups and arrangements.

Lesson 10 Events

Which events do you think are the most useful for your organization? Why do you think so?

I think data events are the most useful because data needs to be updated and revised on a regular basis. Prices change, addresses change and dates change for various events. Change is constant in any business if the business is going and being able to update the data is the most useful event that I would be using.

The Office Assistant

There are several different Office Assistants to choose from within the Microsoft Office Program.
This is one component that shares information between every application that is connect to the Microsoft Office Suite. It acts like a program within a program but shares information between all the programs.
In my search for information, I found a new Office Assistant, the Genie and a dolphin that I can't seem to activate. There are several, the dog, the cat, the wizard, the office logo, Mother Nature, F1, the Dot and the famous Clippit, paper clip. Each office assistant has a personality all of their own if you animate them. They are quite interesting and fun. I can't wait to see what the Genie does. I really like the cat and dog too.

They are not only cute but also functional in providing methods or search of tips and tricks and providing help while in a document. They function with each component of MS Office as long as they are activated. I really enjoy them because some things are just dull and they add a little life to your work.

Lesson 9 DDE

DDE is Dynamic Data Exchange which allows a computer to share information between two running programs. Excel has a special paste command that would allow chart data and a chart to be entered into a Word document and every time this information was updated in Excel, it would also be updated in Word.

This type of activity can also be done within excel from sheets to workbooks but it is kept in the single application, where as an exchange of data is used between two seperate applications in DDE.

2 of my best girls
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Lesson 8 Charting and Graphing

Do a search on the Web for the Microsoft Graph program? What did you learn about this program?

The Microsoft Graph program is a really cool program. All kinds of graphs can be made from what ever types of data are being used. There is column, bar, line, radar, bubble, surface graphs and more. Depending on the amount of data and type of data, the selection of a what type of graph will work best, is done according to what is being shown. This program sets the data range that is being used and sets the X & Y axis as well. A graph or chart can also be published as a web page if there are others that the information should go to.

All the components of this graph came through and what this graph shows, is insurance claims by month and dollar amount. By looking at this graph, one can see that during the month of February, the highest dollar amount in claims was processed and in August the lowest amount was processed.

Lesson 7 Subreports

Blog Post
What is a subreport and how might you use it?

From the information that I obtained, the subreport is a report within the main report or can be used within a main report. The subreport is actually a stand alone report. The subreport would be used for example if you wanted to add graphing or charting to show purchasing curves or productivity highs and lows. If I wanted to see what point in the year I had the highest sales, I would use a report that brought in data based on dates of sales and amounts of sales and then as a subreport I would create a chart or a graph to show this information. The subreport has relational information to the main report.

When will it end?

I had to write this one in blue because frankly, that's how I'm feeling right now. Have you ever had any one say, "What can possibly happen next?" Well, I think that is a bad question because if you could possibly know the future you would run and hide in your bed cover up your head and stay there until you died.

I have a dear friend and I told him that there must be light at the end of the tunnel and he said, you know what that light is? It's the on coming train. Well he did get a chuckle out of me and I think I have been hit by that train one too many times since the beginning of 2005. Enough already!!

Today that same friend came into my office to see how I was doing because in my day job I have a lot of responsibilites and people count on me to do my job. Later, he came in and was looking through a chart and said "There must be a pony in here somewhere" well knowing that particular story I just cracked up laughing because I keep hoping to find that pony myself. With all the rotten things that have transpired in my life over the last 4 years, there definitely has to be the most incredibly geogeous horse of my dreams in this pile of crap some where. Perferrably and beautiful black and white painted Freesian. What a thought and what sight. This is my dream horse, riding bareback and running free, on a horse is where I want to be.
His name is Valor and I found him on a website. I wish I could buy him.

The Flu wasn't the Flu after all

Well, what I thought was the flu, turned out to be a terrible battle of pnuemonia. I'm still trying to get over the darn stuff, with my second round of antibiotics. Still coughing and sniffles and the crud. The cough turned really bad by the fifth day and although the alkaselter flu probably helped me sleep and clear the sinus congestion a bit, it had absolutely no effect on the lungs and chest congestion.

My advice to any one who gets a cough that gets bad quickly, don't wait to see the doc like I did. Get your butt in there before your chest aches with pain and burning and get it checked out.

Lesson #6 Forms

Why would you use a form when you could simply enter data by using a table?

I guess you can enter data any way that you would like to and in whatever form is most comfortable. I find the form a simpler way of entering data than in the table because it gives you one record at a time and seems to be more organized. The database is a way to store the information you will be using but a form puts it in an organized arrangement that is easier to work with or so it seems, and can be more customized in appearance. Being able to look at one record at a time in an organized manner, allows more accuracy for that particular client or record when entering data, instead of looking at rows of data at once and possibly picking the wrong row.

• What is the difference between a bound and an unbound control?

To control or not to control, what's the difference?

The bound control is tied directly to the information field in the table, so when changes are made the value of the bound control changes too.

The unbound control is not directly tied to the data in the table and does not change but remains the the way that you enter it.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of bound and unbound controls? (see pages 274 - 275 in your text, and also do not be afraid to do some Internet research)?

From the following link, I found that the advantage of the unbound control kept the floor plan the same but the bound control ( the changing book search) allows the person to see each different book being searched for to change every time, while the layout of the store remains constant.

I found this website helpful in giving an example of what the bound and unbound controls produce. I found it helpful because it gave an example of what changes in a form and what remains unchanged.
http://www.igetit.net/newsletters/Y03_12/BoundUBound.asp

Pretty Kitty

I love the Canon A410 Powershot, the close ups are great! 

Who's that cat?

Who's that cat lookin back, it's just Stewart
we named him Stewart instead of Simon so we could call him Stewie for short 

Patches

Patches got her name because of the way she is colored. Chocolate and white, even her eyelashes are different on each side which has always been fascinating. She is quite the dog and quite the character. 

Quite the couple

They look like their up to something 

Fighting the FLU !

Well, I don't know if it's really the flu but it sure makes you feel like dog doodoo. There is nothing like the old remedy of Vicks slathered all over your chest and neck with a warm wet cloth and a heating pad on top to loosen up your chest. I have been using that plus my essential oils, Aroma Siez, peppermint, Christmas spirit (www.youngliving.com) for the oils and putting that right on top of the Vicks with the wet cloth and heating pad. Only use the heating pad while you're awake and only for about 20 minutes. If you are at all like me and everything puts you to sleep, like the Alka Seltzer Flu stuff, then just use one tablet, if you have the time to sleep then use both, but I usually wake up with the grogginess if I use two. I might have to take a nap at lunch but at least I will be able to keep going.

Oh and then there is this tea that I found at our office, I don't know who brought it in but Bless their hearts, it's good stuff. It's called Cold Season Tea, by Yogi Tea (www.yogitea.com) and I've been drinking that during the day and it seems to calm down the cough a lot. I'm going to have to get me some more of that and replace what I used at work too.

Don't you know, that I don't have time to be home sick in bed with this crud. Life is too busy and I'm starting a second job tonight at Michaels. I'm totally excited about it. I don't want to be sick at all. I may smell a little aromatic today but at least I'm not in bed crying "Oh poor me!" If you get aches and pains then take some Ibuprofen or something to help with that. Drink lots and lots of fluids and wash your hands to keep the crud away. I hope that you don't get the flu or the chest cold or whatever this is but if you do, this has worked for me.

This is a more current pic of me than some of the others out there. We messed around taking pics last Sunday, Feb 26. This pic had a serious case of redeye but Photoshop works wonders.
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It's getting complicated

Access is getting a little more complicated and I'm not sure if I am even close to using the SQL that I'm suppose to be using :

SELECT *
FROM [client purchases]
WHERE [amount of last purchase] =>$10.00;

This was a try, if it's completely wrong, please give me a holler.

The better to smell you with my dear

Simon was being totally curious today and he is so cute and fluffy. He is about 2 months old. 

The better to see you with

Let me look just a little closer there. 

Face to Face

This is Simon, we finally just planted a name on him. He was facinated by my eyelashes. 

This was the homework Julia was assigned last week

Shallow depth of field I think is what this is where the object in front is clearer than the objects in the background.
We were just messin around today taking some pics for her dad. 

Ice Sculpting is at its peak

This is one of the ice sculptures that can be found around town right now. Haven't seen too many with a more beautiful face in them than this one, but then I'm partial to the smiling face of my daughter, Julia. The ice sculpture competitions are getting started, you can see some of the work in the ice park off of Phillip's Field Rd. when you drive by. For the out of towners, this is in Fairbanks, Alaska. 

Such diversity

People are like snowflakes. Even though this pic is a little blurry, you can see several different shapes and sizes. The complexity of some and the simplicity of others. How miraculous water can become in a snowflake. Think of how many millions of snowflakes that it takes to make a couple inches of snow which is what we are definitely getting today. At times it snows lightly and then at times there are those big huge beautiful, slowly floating down flakes and that is what it was doing when I took this pic. 

It's Snowing!!

My love for taking pictures of snowflakes has not diminished from last spring. I think that it is so cool that you can see many different snowflakes in this picture. 

Original

This is the same picture but in the original form. I liked it better in black and white, better definition and color. It will take a bit of blue to make this one look good. 

Snoozin

This was such a cute shot because he climbed up on my radio and just fell asleep. He is the baby and is just a little puff ball of white. Haven't quite decided on a name yet. He was born right before New Year's. 

Keep Pressing On

The World keeps going round and round
where the end is, cannot yet be found
Life's struggles keep going on
it's hard to keep up, but press on we must
until their gone
Time stands still for nothing
but moves hastily on with no mercy or caring
each person is on their own
don't fall down or look back or you'll turn to stone
Life's hardships can make one bitter
but only if you stop and become a quitter
Keep pressing on, around life's next bend
there you'll see a rainbow and the pot of gold
at the end.

At the end of the day
when you lay your head
down at night
do you drift off to sleep
easy or do you wrestle and fight
Did you do all today that
was essential in life or
were you so busy being busy
caught up in all that strife
not to notice the
warm breeze on your face
the smell of the air, the birds
singing with grace
the laughter of the folks around
you, the gentleness of someone's touch, the simple pleasures of the day can mean so much.
As you lay your head down on your pillow tonight, think about the blessings of the day
and every thing that went right. 

Ready for summer

Boy, I don't know about you, but after having this beautiful warm wind blow in, I'm ready for summer. Do a little camping, a little fishin and some swattin of those pesky mosquitoes, but I'm ready for summer to get here. 

I like pictures better than databases

It seems to me that figuring out how to take beautiful pictures and post them is much easier than trying to figure out how ACCESS databases work. I'm sure it will be time well spent and information well learned once I get the hang of it, but right now I'm feeling soooo confused.  

Many types of Databases - Lesson 2

This may be the easiest part of the lesson for me. After I started reading over the various types of databases used, I think I understand how some of them work but others seem confusing to me. I'm sure through out my day, I use a variety of databases. Such as when printing budget information, it's hierachical because we are part of a bigger division which branches out into smaller units or departments.
I use Banner all the time for everything, payroll information, student information, purchasing and accounts payable information. This is a very complex database containing lots of different information that is all connected in some way. Then the database we use in the office mostly contains client information and finances used strictly by our department. If you think about it, the calendar is the most simple form of a database you can look at, but depending on how busy you are, can make a calendar look complex especially if you use different colors for different activities. I guess that is the simple way to look at a database for me. Maybe I would understand ACCESS better if it was in different colors.

The flat-file data base sounds like something we use to keep track of client chart numbers, but this website talks a little more about it.
http://websiteowner.info/articles/cgi/databasetypes.asp It sounds like it's actually used when creating a website.

Southampton Solent University Library http://www.solent.ac.uk/library/databases/classdesc.asp This website claifies the various types of databases found in the library and make sure to scroll over the colors at the bottom so you can see the page change colors. I thought it was an interesting webpage.

http://www.databasecorner.com/ This was another cool web site I just happened upon. You can do a search on just about any brand of database software and this site gives you the information you could use to decide if it's the right program for you. Also, this site provides other help with databases if information needs to be retrieved.

Access Help

The help feature is pretty cool. I like the fact that this feature takes you to a website where you can walk through the beginner's version of Access and there is online help.
I like the MS assistant too, the dog and cat are fun to watch and they make noise too.

In help, there are examples of databases put together which are very complex looking. Help can answer questions about the features of the program and show examples on how to do functions.
I think the help function is useful and very easy to use. You can search for anything. The MSOffice online help is really nice and very cool. It's great that you can learn new things there as well as in class.

MS Access

I'm taking this class as part of the requirement for my degree. I'm sure that I will learn various ways to organize my data files and make better use of this type of data base program.

I am a Mary Kay consultant and have a decent size inventory. There is not just one shade of lipstick, eye color, or foundation; there are several as well as various types and this program may help sort and organize these products for easier inventory control. I think this program may be helpful in arranging that inventory a bit different. This program may also be beneficial in doing income taxes at the end of the year. I'm looking forward to seeing what this program can do. Excel is outstanding so hopefully Access is too.

Sparky in back Baby in Front Honey looking over side and Stubbie the dark one

Just about all the cats in the family are in this picture. Cuddles is long hair gray cat and he is laying on a box next to the chair every body else is piled in 

The whole fam Damily

 

Personalized Piggy Banks

Aren't they just adorable?