The Book That Changed My Life -- Do The Clearing

Book Description, as posted on Amazon:

"Whether it was through luck, serendipity, or some sort of divine intervention, you’ve found yourself here. Where is here? Here is where you take the life you’ve been living and turn it into the one you really want. Do the Clearing is your restart. It’s your chance to make important changes, to make things right, even to reinvent yourself completely. In these pages, John guides you through the 7 steps he uses with his clients to finding, and then letting go of, what’s holding you back. He shows you how to use your surroundings to gain an advantage and how to take the events from your past that have been pushing you toward failure and give them new endings that will inspire you to succeed."

About The Author, John Benz: 
"John went to his first Weight Watchers meeting when he was five years old. Thirty years later, he discovered a process that helped people lose weight and live happier lives like nothing he'd experienced before, a process he would eventually detail in his book, Do the Clearing. Today, John is a triathlete and IDPA Marksman, devoted to his clients, his dogs, and finding the best greasy spoon in whatever town he’s in. He spends most of his time coaching, writing, speaking, and traveling the country helping people do the Clearing." -Amazon Page

I read this book several months ago and continue to have an increasing appreciation for the author's system as times goes on.



Before I dive into my review on this book, let me just say that you do not have to be a minimalist to adopt or appreciate or even utilize and adore the system John Benz tells us about in Do The Clearing.

...The author's approach is incredible. 


The way the book is written makes it feel almost like having a one-on-one coaching session with an expert who seems very genuine. A gimmick-free self-help book that has had a lasting impact on me in so many areas of my life that I find myself incorporating his powerful techniques in more and more new ways, even all these months later.

The author knows how to deliver his message and self-help techniques in a way that will stay with a person for a lifetime, and in many areas of life. I felt like Benz's method and way of getting his message through were extremely well-laid out, professional, and simple enough that anybody can follow and apply the techniques in their everyday life.

I have to admit, it took some time for the authors' teachings to really resonate with me on the level that was intended. That's because as a person who tends to have a lot of... stuff  -- because I *might* need this old, outdated remote for a TV that I don't even have, or plan to have, in the future -- part of me was resisting the strong message to get rid of so much of my belongings.

In fact, even after all these months, I'm still learning. I found myself really resonating with his message just a couple of weeks ago when I looked around my bedroom and felt such a dreadful, overwhelming feeling at all the stuff. I mean, a lot of my stuff I *need.* Basically living out of my bedroom, which is pretty much what I'm doing at the moment,  is hard, so it's been difficult to honestly figure out what items should be gotten rid of. As someone who's accumulated a lot of stuff that I keep because either 1. it's too useful to just throw out (but not so useful that I'm actually using it), and 2. it's something I can't just give away for various reasons. For example, a huge box of various supplements I've accumulated but never finished. You can't give an open bottle of weight-loss pills to away, you can't donate them to charity, but it feels so wasteful to throw them away.

That type of situation has been very typical for me in this lifetime journey of really figuring out if you need every item you've accumulated.

A couple of weeks ago, long after I'd read this book and even forgotten about it for a short while, the message hit me and resonated with me stronger than ever.

That's what I like about the author's awesome approach and technique here. For the rest of my life, I'll likely have these moments where the message comes back to me and reminds me that I have to do something about the items I accumulate over time.

It's so easy to stash random objects that are, like I said, useful enough that you don't want to toss them, but not so useful that you find yourself using them on a regular basis.

But there comes a point where the author's words are such pure truth that you look at your accumulated stashes and think "yep, it's time." I had a kind of realization where I asked myself 'why keep any of this stuff that I've never even touched since I first got it? It genuinely felt bad when I saw it cluttering up my space, so what excuse could possibly justify keeping anything that doesn't feel good?'

The overall message the author is so perfectly portraying is that what we surround ourselves with, especially the objects and "stuff" that lives alongside us does have an impact on us. Our happiness, even things you'd never even think of -- such as weight! Or feeling insecure, or not being able to lose weight, or over-eating, etc.  For the first time ever, we're learning (thanks to John Benz) that the things we spend the most of our time with do impact so many aspects of our lives, including parts that are holding us back or keeping us unhappy.

I have to give him credit for this genuis discovery because this never would've occurred to me, but I'm finding (although somewhat reluctantly at first,) that his words are true.

We need to declutter our lives and really get honest with ourselves about the types of emotional responses we're picking up over the things we live with.

I'll admit that at first, I found it tough to relate something like a mirror hanging on the wall to something like being obese.

Benz not only tells the reader how this whole thing works and how to improve your life by using techniques to create a space that actually gives you power and happiness, but also shows you real instances through examples and stories of other people who took on this journey.

You'll find dozens of useful accounts of different people who Benz coached, some who were open to the ideas and techniques and improved their lives immensely as well as some who completely walked out on him when he mentioned the "Do the Clearing" idea/technique, then ended up resonating with it in such a positive way that they went back to him to share their life-changes.

As other readers of this book have said, once you are able to do some "clearing" of the items in your household that you know are holding you back, or contain something negative about them, it is quite freeing and empowering.

The only tough thing about this is actually finding it within you to apply the "clearing." It can be hard. It can feel impossible. You can even think hell no, I'm not getting rid of anything I own. But you'll definitely find yourself giving it thought.

If you're anything like me, every time you look at any object in your house, you'll ask yourself 'how do I feel when I see that?'

Answering the question can be a little confusing. There will likely be some items (or if you're like me, many) that you'll need to ponder on for some time, and that's okay. I've learned for myself that if it feels bad to put it in the trash, then that's probably an important sign to pay attention to as well.

I've allowed myself to ponder. To get certain before making the decision to completely toss something that felt important or that didn't feel thrilling and good to get rid of.

A little technique I've been using that seems to be helping me along immensely is going through my objects (especially stuff I've got stuffed in the closet or under the bed), and when I come to one that I simply can't decide on, or it doesn't feel "right" to just toss it, I'll set the object(s) out on my dresser or counter for a week or so. I make sure to place it somewhere I'll have to look at it multiple times a day, and each time I see it, I pay attention to how I feel about it. Is it cramping up my space enough that it's just downright irritating at this point? Can I move it somewhere else and enjoy it? If both of those fail, then I feel comfortable in my decision to get rid of it.

That's just one small additional technique that has helped me to really decide on many items that I simply couldn't get an answer to when asking "does this dolphin lamp make me feel powerful?"

This is not something you'll complete in one night, or probably even one week unless you're a minimalist, then it'll be pretty easy probably.

This is something you'll likely use for the rest of your life. Every time you look at your junk drawer, or see the stash of old electronics hanging around under your bed (or wherever you keep them.)

If you're like me and tend to have to really be convinced that you're better off (and that it IS OKAY) to let it go, then you may even need to take time before you can really answer whether or not some items are worth keeping or are holding you back in any way.

Once that really kicked in for me, I found it so easy (and thrilling) to fill up an entire trash bag!

Disclaimer: I am not a specialist, expert, professional or doctor of any kind. Content on this blog is not intended to be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or advice of any sort. I'm simply sharing information about my own experiences and results from use of a product or activity in hopes of providing useful information to readers, not to be taken as a patient/medical adviser relationship. I am not responsible for what readers choose to do after viewing the content here. Furthermore, I do not hold an "exceptional" or other special relationship with any company mentioned on this site. I'm simply a consumer who worked with the company on a review that is in compliance with FTC's guidelines. That means, everything you read here is my own words, not anything of the company's. I was not provided with monetary compensation for my review. All information posted has been done so with complete honesty. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication ( I'm not responsible.) Readers who rely on the information in this blog to replace the advice of an appropriate health care provider assume all risks of such behavior.

How to Jump Rope Like A Pro With Naturalico Ultra-Speed Cable Jump Rope

  It may seem elementary school, but jumping rope is one way to work multiple muscles in the body at once.

Plus, who doesn't want a little childhood gymnasium nostalgia?

I have to admit, I do get a kick out of swinging a rope over my head and jumping it, so when I read that

 "10 mins of jumping rope can provide the 
same calorie burn as 30 mins of slow cardio," I decided to add rope-jumping into my exercise routine. 

Close-up

With that said, jumping rope is a perfect way to get into the habit of exercise, if you have a hard time bringing yourself to, and want to make it a regular thing. It's one of the easiest ways to exercise since it doesn't require strenuous activity or insane positions, and none of that huge equipment that threatens to squash you flat each time you attempt to get near it. 

I highly recommend taking up jump rope if you're someone who's looking to start moving a little more, and even if you're someone like myself who has managed to force themselves into exercising on a daily basis. 

 Bottom line: everyone can benefit from a little jumpin'. 

Plus, it's a little less boring than your typical sit ups and has enough health benefits to motivate you.

  "Perfect for busy people that want to be more fit, beginners, enthusiasts, WOD's, Cross Fitness Training, boxing, MMA training and much more"   - Naturalico

 
While creating a jump rope that's a step above your typical childhood rope, the folks at Naturalico opted for simplicity in their design, choosing to focus on what's important -- efficiency and functionality, to ensure you get the most bang from your workout. That's my impression anyway. 

Close-up of ball bearings

With ball bearings that are meant to increase the number of revolutions per minute, this is the ideal rope if you need to achieve double and triple unders, as well as best PRs in your workout.

Unlike other ropes which have cheap plastic ball bearings, this has 4 high-grade metal ball bearings, which promote faster turning of the rope and longer durability.

• The rope is also very light, making it easy for beginners to use.

• The cable is 10ft long, and adjustable to be used by people of different heights.

• With the rope, you also get a nylon drawstring carry bag,
although my latch that holds the bag shut slipped right off and I couldn't get it back on, so the bag doesn't close. It's still small enough to wrap up and toss in a bag or purse.

This rope comes with a limited lifetime manufacturer guarantee, whatever "limited lifetime" warranty means.
 

Using the Rope

How to Adjust  

Step on the middle portion of the rope with one foot,bringing the handles straight up. If the handles extend beyond your shoulder points, the ends need to be cut.

Once you've got your length adjusted to fit your height properly, use the screws to secure the end, near the handles.

While stepping on the middle part of rope, find the ends, and mark before clipping (using wire-cutters), if you need to clip the rope at all.

Note: The brochure said the ideal length was to the arm-pits. Other fitness folks suggest  shoulder-level length for beginners,  and armpit level or below for experienced users. For double unders, the ends of handles should reach around the nipple line. Even as a beginner to jump roping with a speed rope, I have to say, even at shoulder-length, this sucker was awkward and all over the place when I tried using it.

Being short as sh*t, it's obvious the length is way too long for my small self.

    The Ultra-speed Cable Jump Rope can be a great addition to endurance training or cardio exercise in general.  The folks at Naturalico state that by doing 50-100 jumps "a few times, and a few minutes daily," you'll "blast fat." I try to aim for 5 minutes at a time and 1-3 times daily, assuming by "a few times, a few minutes daily" that that should be enough.

My Experience

So far, I'm having quite the time trying to get along with this rope. I suppose the spinning of the rope, due to the ball bearings, and the length and thin-ness of the cord/rope is what makes it so awkward. 

For some reason, I can't seem to actually manage to jump when the cord lands at my feet. I either jump too soon, or way too late and end up wrapped all up in the cording. I am not sure why this is such a challenge for me, but I think with actual ropes, you feel the weight of them and know when it's time to jump. With this lightweight cord, I can't even begin to make a close judgement as to where it's at. Sometimes I swing it, and never know it even went anywhere until it lands on my head!

I am still trying to get the hang of it, and will likely have to keep experimenting with the length. It obviously needs to be cut extra short for me, but I've only been cutting a little at a time, in fear of cutting it too short and ruining the entire thing. 

Eventually, I should get the hang of it and be able to actually use it as a jump rope and not fumble and fight with the thing. I never expected to be challenged by a simple jump rope! I will master this thing. One day.

Once I do, I think I could get into it, and manage to do it on at least somewhat of a regular basis. It may not be something I incorporate into my every day exercise routine, though, if I don't feel like I'm getting anywhere with it. 

So far, I can say I've gotten a work out just by struggling with the thing, and jumping around all crazy! So that's something.

Benefits of Jump Roping

- Benefits the cardiovascular system.

-Strengthens upper & lower body

- Improves lower body muscle tone, especially the legs

About Naturalico's Cable Jump Rope Specs:

•  Adjustable 10 foot cable length  (to be suited for everyone's height.) Note: the rope is made of wire, so you'll likely need to use wire cutters to cut the excess rope ends.

• Comes with drawstring bag for easy storage and on-the-go use.

• "High-speed," meaning this isn't your conventional jump rope. It allows for more workout in less time. Example: CrossFit "Double unders" are achievable using this rope.

• The handles turns at  90 degree angles to prevent tangling and bending.

• Instead of plastic ball bearings, this rope has 4 metal ball bearings, which are supposed to promote faster turning of the rope and longer durability.

• The rope is lightweight and beginner-friendly

 A Few Things I Was Impressed With:

-Shipped Fast.

-Kind, personalized card from the owner:
I was also impressed with the owner of Naturalico, Grace Young after reading the instructional card that came along with the jump rope. Here's a few snippets of the message that stood out to me:

After a sincere thank you for your business and support message, the owner of Naturalico goes on to write "I understand without folks like you, I do not have a business. This is something I do not take lightly."

"I really hope everything turns out fantastic for you and our product is what you expected...My number one goal is your satisfaction, and to meet and exceed your expectations! If you have any questions or need support, please reach out to my personal email..." Her email address was written directly after that sentence, but I won't post it here for various reasons...

The letter on the instructional card goes further to say "Ill make sure you get what you need and give you the service you deserve," and ends with detailed instructions on how to get in touch with Grace if you aren't happy with the product for whatever reason.

Grace has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and as per the letter, she really does care to go above and beyond to be certain that her customers are given absolutely everything they could want in a company and product.

Have you ever received such a personalized, caring letter from a company?

I'm sure that message spoke volumes to you as well.

Grace obviously knows what she's doing as a company owner -- being personal rather than coming across as just another stoic company. It's almost as if you purchased a product from your BFF.

Going so far out of her way to ensure that every customer is happy, and the entire message warmed my heart so. I just thought it was so cool to get an actual human message instead of a generic "thanks for your order, now subscribe to our newsletter and buy something else" message that's so typical of virtually every company on the planet.

Companies have forgotten that humans want to buy from humans, not robots without feelings. This very fact is something I've learned a lot about in courses I've recently completed, and in my copywriting experience, yet most companies communicate in the same robotic tone time and again.

That was very off-topic, and perhaps a discussion/post that I might need to touch upon later, but for now, let's get back to this very modern jump rope.

Disclaimer: I am not a specialist, expert, professional or doctor of any kind. Content on this blog is not intended to be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or advice of any sort. I'm simply sharing information about my own experiences and results from use of a product or activity in hopes of providing useful information to readers, not to be taken as a patient/medical adviser relationship. I am not responsible for what readers choose to do after viewing the content here. Furthermore, I do not hold an "exceptional" or other special relationship with any company mentioned on this site. I'm simply a consumer who worked with the company on a review that is in compliance with FTC's guidelines. That means, everything you read here is my own words, not anything of the company's. I was not provided with monetary compensation for my review. All information posted has been done so with complete honesty. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication ( I'm not responsible.) Readers who rely on the information in this blog to replace the advice of an appropriate health care provider assume all risks of such behavior.

Simple Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children

As much as I've discussed my own journey with my dental health throughout the years here, I've actually never came around to discussing children's dental health, but now that my five year old niece is having one of her own, I thought it high time I do so.

You see, she has had a discolored speck on the corner of one of her two front teeth for a while now, so she recently had to visit the dentist to have it looked at. Thankfully, she's only five, so this is not one of her permanent teeth, but a baby tooth that she'll eventually lose. She, and her dental health has inspired me to look into how to best care for children's teeth and steps we can take to prevent decay early.

Here are a few very simple ways you can prevent tooth decay in your baby, child or toddler.

1. No Beverages in Bed
You may have heard the term "bottle mouth" or something similar. However, you were probably also taught to give your baby a bottle of milk, and your toddler a sippy cup full of juice for them to drink as they go to sleep at night. This is actually not as good an idea as we've all been taught. In fact, allowing children to develop the habit of drinking as they fall asleep is one cause of tooth decay as juice contains sugars and acids while milk contains sugars that all contribute to tooth decay. So unless you're able to use a cloth to wipe your child's teeth down or brush them after they've fallen asleep and the bottle has rolled to the side of them, you shouldn't allow them to have a bottle while they're falling asleep. Instead, you can feed them right before they get into bed, being sure to brush their teeth or rub them gently with a cloth before laying them down. Otherwise, the child goes to sleep with the sugars and acids being left in their mouths to do their damage on those pearly whites.

2. When to Begin Flossing
I'm not sure why it never occurred to me that there may be a certain age or time when a child should begin flossing, but there actually is a rule of thumb to follow. According to My BPD.ca , you should actually begin flossing as soon as any two teeth are touching each other, so for some children, this will be during the early toddler years, and for others it may be sooner or later than that. Just be sure to keep an eye on how many teeth are coming in, and when they begin to touch.

Burlington Pediatric Dentistry also reminds parents of the importance of junk food, and foods with hidden sugars in their lists of ingredients. They've suggested foods such as yogurt and vegetables as alternatives, and this way, you don't have to worry so much about many hidden harmful ingredients.

3. Be Mindful of Fluoride & the Dangers
Something that I admire about the Burlington Pediatric Dentistry group is that they recognize the reality of over-fluoridation, known as fluorosis, which can be very dangerous and parents should be sure their children are not consuming more than they can help.


Do you guys have any useful tips and tricks for preventative dental care for new parents? Please do share.

How to -- Hold Your Book Open Hands-free Without Losing Your Place!

Look! No hands (to hold it open, anyway)

See the clip at the top of the book, on the left side?

And this, folks, is how you hold your paperback book open while you read so that you don't have to use your hands! You can thank me and my lovie for our awesome riggin' abilities! I am used to reading on my Kindle these days, and having to hold my book open with both hands was starting to feel out dated. I like to snuggle up and only peek my hands from under the covers if I have to turn the page, so I had to think up a way to fix that. I wanted to be able to read without having to hold my pages open. Originally, I tried paper clips, but that only lasted for about 10 pages into my book, so then I tried a little clamp like you see in the photo (no idea what they're actually called, so if any of you know, please share!) and soon, the little clamp wasn't enough to hold the pages! So I thought I'd need to find one of the super large clamps like this only mine were gone.

Then along comes my extremely handy lovie. To the rescue! He rigged the book right up for me & this has so far, worked with every single book no matter its size! 

What he did was, took the little clamp (he calls them purse clamps because they look like purses upside down) and clipped it from the front cover to the page I was on. Once the pages fill the clamp, add another and attach it to your last page so it all holds open. Repeat! I hope my explanation here makes sense. If not, let me know and  I will elaborate.

How to preserve receipts and prevent fading

A tip for you guys:

Do you save receipts? Well, today when I needed my Chi flat iron receipt so that I could file a complaint with the BBB, I realized most of my receipt was beginning to fade! This can be disasterous. So I was able to see enough to get my information to the BBB, but I thought what will I do if I need this again and it's already faded almost completely? This happens with receipts. I even found one receipt that was important and had faded completely! So I came up with a quick plan for preventing your receipts from fading .. . . 

Tape them son of a bitches! Yes. I am serious. It works. I've got a whole receipt book filled with taped receipts now. All you need to do is place a strip of tape over the imporant parts of you receipts, and if you need them in the future (to return something, for future references, etc.) you can be sure they won't be faded! This was so genius I think I need a reward. Kidding. NO, I'm really not kidding. I actually think this, but don't hold that against me. I don't have genuis ideas very often.

Anyways, what I done was use my handy ass Scotch Pop Up tape dispenser and the small strips were the perfect size to cover the important parts of my receipts -- the date, the products purchases and total. 

So, get out your tape and receipt book! This will come in handy. One day. I know it will. 

RANDOM TIPS--ethernet cables & how to regain your wifi/router's password

Ya'll lovely angels know how I randomly post a little "tip" such as how to get rid of this or that. Well, I just give those amazing tips of mine away as they come to me. You see, I get stuck in some really wild problems and when it's one that's really tough to find an answer to, I often like to share it here just in case some other lonely, scared fella is out there desperate for quick help on whatever problem I have encountered and solved! So, if I give out tips here, you can go ahead and believe that I've been through it and it's what worked for me. 

So that will explain why I'm randomly telling you guys how to do a couple of things on a wireless router and such.

Tip number one

• Egg yolk is great for preventing and helping rid early fine lines and wrinkles.
• Always have a second ethernet cable on hand--if you use one often like say, on a router! You'll understand why I say this in a minute. But yes, a back up ethernet cable is absolutely a must! If you don't own any router or device that requires an ethernet cable, you can skip what I am saying. 

Tip number two is important. For some reason, I actually never knew that if you run on a wireless router and use laptops, you CANNOT log into your router via a computer and change settings unless your laptop is directly connected (via ethernet cable--hence the reason I tell you to have a back up ethernet at all times). I made the mistake of trying to change my Wi-Fi password literally at least 4 blasted times (and totally screwing it up, which then required entire evenings of being on the phone with Trendnet each time) without ever being told that you NEVER go and change your settings unless your laptop is connected to your router via ethernet. 

So, for at least 4 screw ups, I would kick myself wondering why every time I tried changing our password, it'd totally mess up our internet connection all together! Nowhere online have I ever seen, even in Tech forums, anyone say to plug your laptop into the router via ethernet cable before ever changing router settings! Is this supposed to be common knowledge and I'm just an idiot? Did ya'll know this rule? Well, apparently I did not. Not until like last month when I screwed it all up again. And then again tonight, but that wasn't the same mistake!

This is a very important tip. I spent so much time trying to set up a password so that a certain someone who totally devours my internet--I use HUGHES net--would no longer be able to. 

So guys, if you use a wireless router and laptop, definitely plug the laptop into the router before changing your settings! If you happen to come across my post in hopes of finding a tip on how to do something else that involves a Trendnet router, Hughes net modem and a laptop, I could more than likely shed some light. I joke all the time that I should go to work in computers since I've literally had to learn way more than I should about fixing computers and router stuff. I'm gettin' pretty good.

Now, you are all plugged in & ready--don't ask me which port you're supposed to plug the ethernet into because sadly, I forgot again! I think if you're wireless, it's always plugged into WAN and if you want to plug your laptop into it, you plug it into one of the numbered ports, which are I believe, called LAN ports. 

TIP NUMBER 3 -- Lost password to router and need help finding it. Simple solution below--the actual instructions are in bold letters like these incase you want to skip my story and get to work on your own problem.

If you're like me and you set up a password on your router--where others would have to type in a password to gain access to your internet--and you forget it, I'm your guy! 

I am known for my good memory. OK, my family and boyfriend know me for my good memory. So during my last attempt to put a password on my internet/router in hopes of stopping the internet devourer, it messed me up because well, my laptop wasn't plugged into the router. Again. 

So I spent the loveliest of evenings on the phone with a non-English speaking person from Trendnet for help. He quickly says he no be able to help me, please call service provider. I say "OK, I've screwed this thing up so many times I can almost remember exactly how to fix things, but there's something I am missing. I KNOW you and I can fix it over the phone, so don't you give me that bullshit so that you don't have to do your job." He quickly went through the steps with me. The same steps I'd gone through at least 3 times before, only I had forgotten one thing that I was not doing right and therefore, needed his help. 

Unfortunately, after that, only my laptop and my sister's would connect. I had given her my password immediately so she'd leave me alone. The entire reason I wanted to put a damn password on it in the first place! But it was part of my social security number, which was easy for her to remember because hers is only 1 number different. 

Strangely enough, when the Trednet guy and I put a new password on it over the phone, nothing would connect but my sister's and mine. I already said that. Sorry. So, my mom has been having a panic attack because hers won't connect. But I didn't take it so seriously right away because, well, this is a woman who flips out when someone shuts her computer down instead of just shutting the laptop. She then powers it on and sees "Tami's Locked." Then all she has to do is click that box that says "Tami's Locked and she's in. Well, she flips a switch and yells "somebody locked me off my own computer! I can't connect to the internet." And I look at it and say "No, someone shut your computer DOWN. They did NOT lock you off your own computer." She still doesn't quite understand though. You may be wondering how the hell she's had a laptop and never had to click that "Tami's Locked" to get in. Well, my friend, that's because my lovely mom, she has never actually turned her laptop off! She only shuts it. Ha Ha.

So, I made my point. Here's what you really want to know: How to regain your password when you've forgotten it and need other devices to get access to your internet... For a few paragraphs, I'm recalling my own story incase it will help someone. If you want to skip that and read the "fix" to regaining password, just scroll down til' you see bold letters. Bold letters look just like these ones here.

If you've not figured it out yet, I always need to share my story when giving instructions. Just bear with me.

My printer is wireless as well. Remember I said no other device would connect to my internet after setting up that password? That includes my much needed printer. I am a writer and am going to school for it. I absolutely can't be without printer. Went to use it. Nope. "Invalid password". Just like my mom's laptop even though I tried my social security number, knowing it was that. IT DID NOT work. I tried my SSN backwards, scrambled, upside down and inside out. Nothing. Tried my Lovie's laptop. "Invalid passphrase." 

So this is yet another evening WASTED due to my lack of knowledge. You say, well you could just plug your ethernet into your laptop and router and log into your router and change the password? I could indeed. Guess what though? There's actually another weird thing with my laptop that I desperately need to fix, but still haven't went through days like today to fix it. My laptop has never, ever connected online via ethernet port. Remember the tip and instructions I gave you--to always plug ethernet into laptop AND router before ever changing your router settings? 

My laptop for some freak reason will not work that way. I have always had to use my mom's to gain access. Bad news since my mom's has been screwy and she flipped a second switch tonight and snatched her computer up, said she'd find someone else to work on it and took it. That means I was almost screwed tonight when I needed to get into the router. Thankfully that sister of mine was here, laptop on lap.

Trendnet guy tells me try her laptop. So I plugged the ethernet into her laptop and into my router. Got online into my router where settings can be changed and all that stuff. 

Remember, this particular incident happened because I wanted to change the password so that my printer, my lovie's laptop and my mom's laptop would be able to connect instead of just mine and my sis' laptop. I unplugged the ethernets trying to figure out which port of my router to put the cable in. Internet was still working since my modem was plugged up. Until I unplugged it. I didn't change my router settings or password because I suddenly remembered that only my mom's laptop will work that way. 

But when I put the cables back where they belong to give me back the wireless internet I had had only 5 minutes prior to this, it was gone. That dreaded blasted yellow exclamation mark popped up and I had no connection. Neither did my sister. 

Called Trendnet back. A second non-English speaking man answered. "Is this your first time calling Trendnet?" 

ME: "Why hell no! Five minutes ago to be exact!" 

Then he decides to help me. Still don't know what exactly happened, but we fixed it by using my twin's laptop because, remember? My laptop does not work plugged into the ethernet and into the router so that I can access and change router settings via online. 

So tip: MAKE damn sure that your laptop is not freakish like mine. If it does what mine does and will not connect while plugged into router, find out why. Because at one point, your only option to logging into that router may be via ethernet cable, not wireless. If you always have a second laptop on hand, you're in luck my buddy. 

Now, this last story I told you is important because I am making a point. I began this awful journey and am finally finished at nearly 2AM. But I began this journey because the password, remember? Now, to hopefull save someone else this horror, I'm telling you what to do below.

To re-gain that lovely password, go to "Control Panel" then "Network and sharing center" NOTE: For other computers, you may need to hit "internet options and then network and sharing center." OK, now you should see the internet connection. Mine is under my name since that is what I named it. Either way, yours should be right smack dab on this here page--it'll be the network you usually connect to. Right click it. then it'll pull up a box and you should see a box with a tab at the top that says "security." Click it. You'll see something that says "Network Security Key." And you'll probably see little black dots, which is the password, but you aren't seeing the actual password. Underneath "network security key", you should see an option to tick a box that says "show characters." By all means, do click that. Now you should see your beloved password! Yippeeee!

I hope this is helpful to someone out there. I know it'd have saved me so much stress had I been able to find this info online somewhere. 

Unfortunately for me, I did not find this password on my computer until I had screwed my connection up and was in the middle of the phone convo with Trendnet! So I could've saved a ton of stress and time. :( I hope my post saves someone else from this.

Even more importantly, just remember your password. Write it down, use something you know you'll never forget, tattoo it on your lower back. Anything! 

Now I will try and connect my printer and pray to the good Lord that it works. I am desperately needing to print a few things including my assignments. But as soon as I was done and had things fixed, I wanted to come and share this info with ya'll while it was fresh in my mind. Knowledge is power, right?

I apologize for the lengthy stories I combine with my tips and instructions, but I am no good at giving good instructions, so I find it easier to explain my particular problem in hopes of it being easier to understand and useful. Just try to bear with me on this. If you have questions, it's possiblE I could help. I can't promise anything. I'm no expert. I'm only a girl who's had to work her booty off to fix things a gazillion times. I learn from my mistakes and pass on the knowledge--even if it takes making that mistake 4 times before learning! 

However, if someone happens to have a solution to that strange problem I mentioned about my own laptop not connecting via the ethernet cable, I'd absolutely be grateful for your advice! Truly, truly. I'll go into a bit of detail again about that problem just incase one of you can help.

-I use a laptop. Cannot connect online (such as logging into my router like I should be able to) via an ethernet cable running into my laptop and the Trendnet router. 

-The Trendnet support people ALWAYS tell me to right click on Local Area Connection and hit "details" then tell them what's in the box next to ipv4 something another. My box there is ALWAYS 100% empty! My mom's shows all the needed info, so did my sister's. Funny though, while using my twin's laptop to pull up this info while talking to Trendnet support, my empty box was still pulled up on my computer screen and the info WAS there! First time ever. 

If you guys have any idea why only my laptop won't connect like that or show up the info in that box, please do share.


So much love,
Kendra

Myth or Fact?

Coffee sobers you up.    Myth or fact?

Actually many people believe that a cup of coffee will help sober you up after a long night of drinking. MYTH. Studies show that coffee does nothing to help you sober up, if anything it makes it worse. And can make you sick.