If I have never mentioned it before, my husband Derek is a Google fanatic. For example, when deciding where we wanted to go on our honeymoon the Googleplex in Mountain View, California held the number one slot for more than a week.  So that he doesn’t get too angry with me about calling him out, we actually were thinking about honeymooning in Napa Valley and San Francisco.  We figured since we would be in the neighborhood (and by neighborhood, I mean west of the Mississippi) we would pay homage to one of the few companies NOT suffering from these hard economic times…GOOGLE.  Because of our over usage of just about every Google product available I thought I might give everyone that doesn’t live and breath Google a heads up about a few new features added to Gmail Labs.

If you use Gmail, you may have noticed a pop-up on your screen, giving a brief overview of the new features, if you logged in since July 1, 2009.  If not then you will have a pleasant surprise on your next login.  These changes also bring along the end of a Gmail Labs feature Right-side Labels.  Google says this is the first Labs feature they are retiring.  I never got accustomed to this feature, so for me…not a big loss.  Google has added features like…

new labels location :: They are now to the left of your inbox, above your chat list (unless you use right-side chat), grouped together with Inbox, Drafts, Chats and other system labels

label(s) hide/show :: You now have control over which of your labels show.  Google does their best to get you going by automatically showing your most used labels and hiding the rest.  This is a blessing from the heavens for people like me who can’t stand a cluttered screen/desktop.  Minimalism is key!

drag & drop :: now you can drag messages to your sidebar labels, like you would in outlook with folders.  This is same thing as “Move to” — it labels and archives in one step.  You can also drag labels onto a message and PRESTO CHANGE-O labeling done!  This is all the same as the original task of using the “Label” button.

To label or move multiple messages in one fell swoop, select the message by using the checkbox, then drag and drop the label.  You can also drag labels into the “more” menu to hide them and add hidden labels.

Well, it finally happened.  Our little Rufus (that’s what we call the car) hit the big 1-0-0-0.  That’s right 1000 miles.  I felt like Al Bundy on Married With Children waiting and watching with anticipation for the turn of that odometer hit 1,000,000 miles.  I know mine had 3 less zeros at the end of the number, but it was still a momentous occasion.

To celebrate Rufus’ 1st big mileage, we bought him something fancy to wear.

Today is a good day, my sinus headache is gone, Derek and I re-financed our house yesterday, we are going to see Keller Williams @ the New Daisy on Saturday, and…..we bought a gorgeous new vehicle yesterday.

We decided on the Volvo S40 (T5)…it has a 5 cylinder turbo charged engine.  I drives like a dream and it is easy on the eyes.  We just happened to luck out with the package.  We were only in the market for a quality vehicle, but the sweet sound system, racing pedals (yes I know…), and black leather interior sure make that 20 minute drive to work each morning a pleasant experience.

One of the best features of this vehicle is the backless center console.  Typically the area behind the radio, A/C, and other miscellaneous things is completely closed in.  Well not in this car….all of those things are on a flat curved panel that has an opening behind it from the driver’s side to the passenger’s side.  Behind the panel in the open area is where your change tray is, or for the ladies with bags small enough….you can put your purse back there.  Imagine that ladies…not having to have one hand on the wheel, one eye on the road, and the other hand and eye searching around on the floorboard for your purse!  I love it!!!

Did I mention that the key is plastic?  Well it is.  I still resembles the old styling of Volvo keys, but to keep your key from being replicated, and your car stolen they actual key portion is plastic with a chip inside of the device.  In case the remote’s battery dies you can remove what looks like a metal key ring attachment piece from the top of the remote and use it to unlock your door.  It will not start the engine though.