Guess who came crawling back to me?

I had a feeling that Hotmail would come crawling back after I announced our breakup publicly on Friday (http://cestlaviebyelle.blogspot.com/2010/03/breaking-up-is-hard-to-do.html). True to form, Hotmail did just that-around 12:45 AM that very night!

I was getting ready to go to bed and decided to check my Blackberry one last time before turning the lights off only to find my missing emails from the week. They came in one after one...it was a walk of shame of sorts. The nerve of Hotmail to show up like that when I had clearly decided to move on with Gmail. What's a girl to do?

While I am happy with Gmail's courtship so far, I have to admit that I really miss Hotmail's layout and ease of use. Let's face it, I was with Hotmail for over 7 years. It just feels right and comfortable to me. However, I cannot forget the way Hotmail so rudely chose to end our relationship with no explanation last week. Gmail was more than eager to accept my offer to date unlike Hotmail who just used and abused me. So, now I am stuck between the two. I'm still with Gmail, but I am seeing Hotmail again. I guess it's true that all you need to get email is another email address.

Get your greens on!

As the weather finally starts to warm up, I encourage you to go green by heading to farmer's markets to stock up on fresh produce, herbs, and other yummy finds. Not only will you be saving money (grocery stores mark everything up), but you will also be supporting local farmers. Depending on where you go, you might also find a wider variety of foods to choose from than a traditional grocery store. You can also shop for homemade soap, lotions, candles, and other fun items. Just don't forget your reusable shopping bags. Happy shopping friends!

Breaking up is hard to do...

I can't believe it is over...a 7+ year relationship down the tubes. For no apparent reason, Hotmail decided to break up with me on Tuesday. We have never had one issue in our very long stint together. When everyone else switched over to Gmail, I remained loyal to Hotmail-only to get dumped. I just can't believe it. I guess Hotmail was just not that into me.

Was it something I did? Was it something I said? Was I being too needy with my constant emailing from work, home, and my Blackberry? Could Hotmail just no longer stand the pressure? Hotmail even went as far as having no phone number for me to call to fix our problems. We were together for over 7 years, and all I get is an extremely unhelpful Q & A section on Hotmail's site to answer my break up questions. Unbelievable!

I asked Gmail out today, and it said yes. With fun colors and setting to choose from and a much more user-friendly format, I think Gmail and I are going to be quite happy together. Hopefully I won't give in and try to log into Hotmail after one too many cocktails...I wouldn't want Gmail to find out.

Ten Commandments for a Responsible Dog Owner

In honor of my beloved dog Georgia, I am posting the Ten Commandments for a Responsible Dog Owner. I have read them before, but my friend David tweeted them earlier today, and I just had to share them with you too. They come to us courtesy of http://www.findoutaboutdogs.com/.

1) My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2) Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3) Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my well-being.
4) Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I HAVE ONLY YOU.
5) Talk to me, Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.
6) Be aware that however you treat me, I'll NEVER forget it.
7) Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8) Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old and weak.
9) Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10) Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it" or, "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.

I love you Georgia!

Hello Rewind

Today's go green tip comes to us from Daily Candy. Looking for something to do with your favorite old t-shirt other than using it for a cleaning rag? Look no further. Send it to Hello Rewind, a New York-based company that will turn it into a sleeve for your laptop. How cool is that? Plus, the proceeds will benefit sex trafficking survivors.

The process is fairly simple. You pay for it on the company's Web site (http://www.hellorewind.com), and they send you a pre-paid envelope for your shirt. You mail them your shirt, and 4-8 weeks later you will be fitting your laptop with a custom sleeve.

Considering that over 17,000 people are forced into sex trafficking each year in the United States, it's time for us to take a stand to end this horrific crime. Who knew that going green could be so noble?

Lend a helping hand

Over the past few months, I've witnessed something quite amazing. People want to help each other...I really think that some of us thrive on helping others. Sure, no one is perfect, but I truly think that most people are good-we want other people to be happy, to succeed, and to do great things. This warms my heart and makes me smile.

I've noticed this in small ways like when my friend Jennifer and I would occassionally have to ask people for directions in NYC. Maybe we just happened to ask the right people, but everyone seemed happy to help and eager to make sure we knew where we were going. We even had someone write down a list of places we should check out...while we were all standing up on the subway.

I've also seen how people want to help others in the aftermath of recent catastrophes like the earthquake in Haiti. Millions of dollars have poured in because people don't want other people to suffer. I think that most of us realize that life is not an island, and that we are all in this together. Let's do our best to make the ride safe, fun, and enjoyable for everyone. There's just no need to not help someone if you can do so.

Now, I know that my ramblings are quite idealistic in nature, but I don't care. I would rather continue thinking that people are good and want to help each other than think the opposite. My motto has always been that if you have it, give it, and if you need it, take it. Let's always remember to help each other sweet friends because we are all in this together.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!