Are you saving your photos to the startup disk? If so, move them somewhere else on your hard drive and restart. Or burn them to CD, delete the files off your computer and restart.

Are there any files lingering in the trash that need to be force-deleted? (sometimes files get stuck when you try to delete them, and holding down the option key when you empty the trash can help delete it permanently.)

You could also try emptying your cache, restart, and see if that makes any difference.

Have you run any maintenance programs since you bought it? A Disk First Aid, Onyx or the ones that PP said? The start up disk may be in need of repair.

My tech guys have advised me to go here before: www.Versiontracker.com. Search/download DeLocalizer, a utility program that finds and finds and clears unneeded foreign language, error messages, duplicate files, etc. that can take up significant space.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone remember Khalil Kain from that '90s movie, Juice (with Tupac and Omar Epps)? He is half African-Am, half Asian-Am and he is soooooo fine.

eh - so so, PP

Now Mario Van Peebles - back in the day? scrumptious

Ooh I remember Khalil Kain. The movie was Juice. And yes, he is a total hottie.

Anonymous wrote:

zumbamama wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To 18:21

"The people who want 9-5 can have 9-5, and people like me can fill the more flexible positions. There's a need for both.:

In some professions, you take a huge paycut to fill a more flexible position. To some people, it's worth it for the flexibility. It's never been worth it to me. As one poster said, I wouldn't get out of bed for only $150K a year though.

Yes, different strokes for different folks. I went into my field knowing I would never make $150K. I went into it because it's what I love and it's who I am. I'd have to entirely switch professions to make that much...and I'd make a pretty lousy lawyer, doctor, economist, etc. : )

Fortunately, I didn't take a paycut. I sought out the opportunity to make the same income in less time elsewhere. The flexibility is like an added bonus after 10 years in the corporate grind and a stepping stone to moving up in my other field.

ZM I'm glad you found a flexible work option that works. You deserve it. And while I'm usually sarcastic, I mean that sentiment literally - you are a positive force and you deserve it - way to go!

TY! Another valuable benefit to working less is my that my carpal tunnel and neck strain are long gone.

Anonymous wrote:To 18:21

"The people who want 9-5 can have 9-5, and people like me can fill the more flexible positions. There's a need for both.:

In some professions, you take a huge paycut to fill a more flexible position. To some people, it's worth it for the flexibility. It's never been worth it to me. As one poster said, I wouldn't get out of bed for only $150K a year though.

Yes, different strokes for different folks. I went into my field knowing I would never make $150K. I went into it because it's what I love and it's who I am. I'd have to entirely switch professions to make that much...and I'd make a pretty lousy lawyer, doctor, economist, etc. : )

Fortunately, I didn't take a paycut. I sought out the opportunity to make the same income in less time elsewhere. The flexibility is like an added bonus after 10 years in the corporate grind and a stepping stone to moving up in my other field.

Anonymous wrote:To 22:09, zumbamama:

"In this age, many jobs can be performed well outside the conventional 9-5 day at the office."

So your work is all electronic, you get promoted strictly based on output and not at all to do with personal relationships? Are you in a career, family-supporting type job or a less intense position?

I still maintain relationships with my colleagues and superiors, and see them on a weekly basis, but I don't need to be in the office daily to communicate or meet deadlines. If I need to talk to them during business hours I just pick up the phone or send them an email. My company is family friendly in that I can set my own hours, work on or offsite, or take my kids into the office if I need to. At previous jobs in similar line of work, I could only dream of this set up. But I'm at a point in my life where I do not want to be chained to a desk 40 hours a week. Limiting my design work to 20 hours frees up time for my kids and other professional pursuits outside of my field.

I take full advantage of the alternative work schedule. In this age, many jobs can be performed well outside the conventional 9-5 day at the office. All my work can be done electronically, and as long as I meet my deadlines, I can work whatever hours suit my schedule. This benefits both my company and my family. Not every job can be efficiently done outside the office, but as technology evolves it allows for new ways to structure our work week for people like me, and I'm sure many others. I'm all for better balance if you can make it happen.

Dancing is so good for everything. Your body, your mind, your soul. I lost my groove for a few years, found it again, and will never, ever stop dancing again. I am happy you found your groove again, OP!

What song did you dance to?

Moby Dick's Restaurant in Silver Spring sells it.

I love your story!! I know exactly how you feel.

I'm not sure if they still have them, but you might try the Smithsonian. I took painting technique classes there as a kid, and we set up our easels outside on the mall to paint the surrounding architecture.

I go camping at OBX every year and have a blast. We pitch right near the water and like to kayak the soundside. The water on the sound is so shallow and calm, it's great for the kids and for all types of watersports. The sand dunes are fun to climb, fly kites or go hang gliding. There is no glitz but it is beautiful and peaceful.

Desperado, House of Spirits, Tristan and Isolde, The Color Purple and Purple Rain (I know it's a horrible movie, but I love Prince and I die of laughter whenever I watch it).

fun

My diploma is hanging on the wall at my parents' house. I remember bringing it home, my mom snatching it from my hands and immediately putting it into the frame.

You rock, OP!