You ask…we listen! During last year’s conference, one of the most frequently asked questions by both affiliates and media partners alike was, “How can I set up a custom Affiliate link to send traffic to page X”? (Page X being any page on our site besides the home page.)

For almost three months, my uncle was bed-ridden.

On Easter Sunday, which most Catholics like himself celebrate with much Joy and with family, I decided to take a chance and get him out of the house.

I told him that we had to celebrate it to the fullest – and so we did.

The journey with my Uncle continues.

He is actually quite strong now – strong enough that the words “safety” and “caution” have become part of my thoughts on a daily basis.

He has gained weight which, up until now, was mass. But this week when we weighed him, it was definitely a fluid build-up. His ankles and calves showed major signs of swelling. This happened within a 24-hour period. Still, the body dealt quite well with this imbalance.

Okay, I’ll admit – I am an unabashed fan (fanatic?) of the Sound of Music. I’ve seen the movie at least a dozen times, know all the songs and lyrics, have read the biographies written by the actual Von Trapp mother and eldest daughter – and even performed the famous “Do-Ri-Mi” on the steps of Mirabel Gardens when Hubby and I visited Salzburg a few years ago (Hubby filmed this from a safe distance)!

Quid quid latine dictum sit altum viditur -> translated into english means “whatever is said in Latin seems profound.”

Why does a Latin phrase sound profound? What causes us to become attracted to certain things visually or aurally? What triggers us to spend money on items that may be harmful or, at least, not in our best interests? Even if you do not know, be assured that there are those who do know the answers to these and many more questions about why and how we can be enticed into procuring things. There are creative geniuses applying images and words in ways that manipulate our minds, enabling that “instant decision”. “I will buy this nutrition bar because it is fortified with natural products and the other bar doesn’t even have any anti-anti ingredient”.

After a three-year sabbatical on email, I’ve decided it’s time to check back in with reality and take a strong hold on my digital life (in other words, my email inbox).

Since I started developing for the web back in 1996, I’ve been witness to one of the biggest time sucks known to man…

…Email, and the steady and ever increasing mountain of crap that somehow finds its way into my inbox (and more recently into my pocket, thanks to the iPhone).

This past month has been dedicated to not only sorting out my business but also the business of my uncle, who is still in my care.

As I move items from his home to mine so that he can comb through them, I realized that he has nine decades’ worth of life compiled into boxes. Within those boxes are other boxes of trinkets, photos, memorabilia.

I know I haven’t been blogging lately…has anybody missed me (ever the optimist, that’s me!)?

My sister was here for five weeks and it was the usual go, go, go with family and friends wanting to see her. During her visit, however, we carved some time out to have a heart-to-heart with Mumsie about her care. While Mumsie is still mentally sharp and alert, her physical balance is not what it used to be, although she continues to stay active and thoroughly enjoys her twice-weekly exercise classes with “the girls” at the nearby senior centre, which provides both mental and physical stimulation.

Even though I have only ever known my uncle from a distance, he is the only one I can call my favorite – and he is now in need of assistance.

A few weeks ago, I was commuting back and forth for up to five hours a day before work to support him in the critical time of his health. The few extra hours that I would normally spend with my growing child was suddenly diverted to support Uncle Bob instead.

Was this a difficult choice to make?

I was really moved to write this as it has been on my mind lately since I have been working with my 91-year-old uncle.

Funny how I have had many interesting comments since taking him under my care.

“Is he your father’s brother?”
“Is he your mother’s brother?”

No he is neither, he is actually my father’s cousin by adoption.