A New Challenge

It's been a month since I broke my wrist, hip and elbow in a fall. As with most people, my bills didn't stop, in fact they increased. Now I'm struggling to figure out how to make income since I'm no longer able to physically do the work I've done most of my life. (Stone, tile and general contracting) Now, I find myself in a predicament.

The doctor told me that my recovery could take up to a year. I'll strive to prove him wrong, but in the meantime...I need to do SOMETHING! Praying about it and relying on other people seems like wishful thinking to me.

I heard a few options mentioned today that sound promising. LinkedIn referrals, Craig's List "Gigs" may also turn up some computer work. Hopefully, I'll get noticed for my knowledge in computer networking or troubleshooting rather than flooring. Luckily, I'm well rounded and should be able to find suitable work.

Until now, finding work has been fairly easy, see something wrong and go talk to the homeowner about fixing it. Works like a charm when you are able to do it, not so much from a wheelchair. I need to start keeping an eye open for the same type of problems...except on websites. If you see something that needs attention, keep me in mind or mention it to me..maybe I can get some freelance work. Thanks!

Jerry's Website Hosting from Home

Example setup:

1. Cable modem - gets everything from cable provider, supplies an outside IP address to one device, should be plugged into the WAN side of a router.
2. Router - gets an outside IP address from modem plugged into the WAN port. Serves up DHCP to other computers or devices via Cat 5 cable or wirelessly. LAN ports should be connected to wired devices.
3. Main Computer - connected to LAN port of router. This computer should have access to anything on the internet and local intranet too.
4. Server - spare computer serving up website (via WAMP) on port 80. Also connected to LAN port of router, it should be accessible from local intranet until router is configured to port forward.

Networking:

1.  Cable modem should require no configuration. Sample IP (176.215.64.115) passes this IP to the Router WAN.
2. Server example IP address (192.168.1.101)
3. Router requires "port forwarding" to pass traffic to the Server. Forward WAN (176.215.64.115) port 80 to LAN (192.168.1.101) port 80. Save configuration and reboot.
4. At this time, Main Computer (192.168.1.100) should be able to access the website by typing 192.168.1.101 into a browser. Additionally, it should be accessible by typing 176.215.64.115:80 in a browser as well as long as the router is forwarding the port. If all goes well, the user can share the outside IP address and it should work from anywhere on the internet. ***

***You can also use No-ip.com or Dyndns.com to use/make an address they offer such as mywebsite.ignorelist.com This isn't a necessary step, but it does make it easier to share with friends.

Remembering Tom

This weekend marks the anniversary of my Dad's favorite weekend each year. We always attended "The Kirkland Family Reunion" and my father would call everyone to remind them to be there. He thought he could urge most people to be there...and it worked!

This evening as I'm watching the evening news about local robberies, school stabbings and seeing the national news covering calls for war in Syria. I'm disgusted. I can still hear Dad asking, "What the hell is wrong with people now?" Dad was an optimist and he thought all people had good in them.

These things have me thinking of the old man. When he would call relatives to remind them about the reunion he would also include the phrase, "You know this might be my last year to be there!" But I always thought he would be here for  it. His health usually improved right before the reunion, probably from his excitement to see everyone. 2012 turned out to be his last.

Dad's smirk, smile and laughter are some of the things I miss most about him. His attitude is impossible to replace, it was contagious. He had the gift of spreading smiles to those around him. He earned my respect and admiration, I wish I were more like him.

I hope others remember him fondly too. This weekend will keep him in my mind. I wish I still had him to hug and tell him how much I loved and appreciated him.

BANG!

In a few more days, it's been a month (Aug 11th) since I fell 14 feet off a second story onto the bottom floor of a house. I broke my left hip, left elbow, left wrist and cracked my skull open pretty good as well. No longer sporting a neck-brace, I'm literally disabled right now, unable to do some things for myself.

Rather than sniveling about it, I'm able to get some things done, just nothing physical. It's going to be alright! I've got to figure out ways to make income using my useable skills, not my back.

I've got a few ideas for applications but I need more thought about them to create a winning combo. If you have an idea, submit it and I'll consider making it happen. I'll probably utilize basic4android but I'm considering others as well. My motto...simplify!!