Here are two of my all time favorite video clips. I still laugh every time I watch them. Enjoy!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Word(less) Wednesday
Why in the world do I spend money on toys? Could someone please tell me?
Save yourselves the cost of expensive Christmas gifts this year and just buy your kids a box of Spongebob dixie cups, some plastic grocery bags, and a large supply of toilet paper.
That'll keep 'em busy.
Save yourselves the cost of expensive Christmas gifts this year and just buy your kids a box of Spongebob dixie cups, some plastic grocery bags, and a large supply of toilet paper.
That'll keep 'em busy.
Happy Word(less) Wednesday. Click here for more participants.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Air ducts a flat iron and scandal
I don't know why I am about to tell you this story. It's embarrassing to me, but I can now look back at it and laugh. When it happened there was no laughing going on. Bear with me, there are a lot of details. So let's dive right in, shall we?
When we moved into our new house here in Ohio I wanted to get the carpets and air ducts cleaned right away. The previous owners had 2 if not more cats and at least 2 dogs. Carson and I have cat allergies and they were put to the test while we suffered for the first few weeks of living in the house.
I received a coupon packet in the mail and included was a deal for air duct cleaning. Being that I had no clue what reputable companies were in the area and not having any word of mouth suggestions, I figured that a company that offers a coupon should be reliable. Yeah.
Let's move on.
I called and scheduled the appointment.
I have had our air ducts cleaned at our previous house so I knew what to expect or at least I thought I knew. I figured a large truck showing the companies logo would pull into the driveway with a clean cut uniform wearing employee(s). They would unroll their huge industrial sized vacuum tubes attached to the truck, hook up to the furnace and vents, turn on the switch and major balloon type structures would protrude out of the back of the truck while it sucked out every ounce of dirt, hair, food, particles and lost toys that made their way into the vent system.
At least that has been my experience.
Oh boy - did I have it wrong.
On the day of the appointment a beat up white, rusty hatch back car pulls up and two young "boys" dressed in plain white t-shirts and khaki shorts along with a load of tattoos walk up to the front door and ring the bell. I thought they were here to sell me something, but then they announce they are here to clean my air ducts.
Uh, okay. Not quite the look I was expecting, but a small voice told me not to judge a book by it's cover and it kind of sounded like my mom. But my gut was telling me otherwise.
I let them in and my dog wouldn't stop sniffing them, which luckily they were very friendly and the one guy loved dogs so he kept playing with her. They also talked about their kids and showed me pictures. Not the most professional display, but I didn't mind that much.
I am not exactly sure what or how they attempted to suck out the crap that was sitting in my air ducts especially with the equipment they brought. It included a large shop vac (I kid you not), some type of compressed air pump, which they let Carson and Luke take turns playing with. Strange. But I got some cute pictures of the boys "working." And they also used "sanitizer" which came in a pump similar to the weed killer I have in the garage.
To me, it was all a bit too unprofessional. My standards aren't that high, but this wasn't even coming close to what it should have been. After 40 minutes of them going in and out of every single room in my house, doing whatever it was that they were doing, they brought the bill to me and I pulled out my coupon which was $74 for all the vents.
I had them do a few extra things, like clean the furnace, cold air returns, and main lines. They threw in the sanitizer (a $150 value) for free (my ass!) I am almost embarrassed to say how much I paid. It was no $74. Try adding a zero to the end of that and then we're a lot closer to the real amount. Just imagine my head as a sucker, like in the old cartoons. I had been HAD.
I let it set in for a few hours. The shock was overwhelming and I contemplated how was I going to tell my husband how much I paid without divorce papers being filed? In the meantime I went upstairs to straighten my hair and get ready to go out and run some errands. Except, my flat iron was not sitting on the counter next to the sink where it usually was. I looked in the drawers, but came up with nothing. I asked the boys if they had seen it or had been playing with it, but they insisted they had no clue what I was talking about. This flat iron is one of the nicer ones that the professionals use. So you know it comes with a high price tag.
Here goes my gut reaction again. My mind starting going and I instantly thought that maybe the cleaning boys took it. It sounds stupid for a guy to take a woman's flat iron, but hey, there's a quick $100 you could make. This idea was not sitting well with me.
I put on my detective hat and and started doing some research. Of course I did not have the coupon and I didn't know the name of the company. The receipt they left me only said a generic name of which I couldn't find doing an online search. And the phone # on the receipt just rang with no answer. I left a message for the distributor of the coupon pack hoping they could help, but with no such luck. I called a neighbor and explained the situation hoping she had kept the coupon, but she had thrown them away. Although, she did offer a good suggestion, to call the police department and see what they recommend I do next.
I tried calling the company's number again and got in touch with the "owner". I told her the situation with the missing flat iron and explained that I didn't want to make false accusations, but was hoping they could shed any light on if they had seen it lying around. She was pretty defensive right away, but said she would get in touch with the guys and call me back later in the day.
In the meantime, I contacted the Better Business Bureau to see if they had any negative reports against them, which they had not. The representative took my information. I also called the police department to see what advice they could give me. They said I could either come into the station to fill out a police report or they could come to the house. I accepted neither, since I wasn't completely sure they were the culprits or not. I also contacted my credit card company to see if my card had been charged yet in which it was pending and also meant I wasn't able to stop it. They did say I could dispute the charge once it posted. That wasn't helping me at the moment.
Since I had not shopped around initially, I decided to call another local air duct company to get their advice. We talked in depth for quite awhile about the services they provide, what I should have received, and the price I should have paid, oh say half of what I dished out already. After getting off the phone I felt like I had been taken advantage of. Completely! I was mad so I called the company back to complain and request a refund.
And do you know what that lady told me after going back and forth with each other? She said I had buyers remorse and I should have done my shopping around before I allowed their company to clean my air ducts.
Oh no she di'n't!
Oh yes she did!
The nerve of her to tell me that I had buyers remorse. By this point I was fuming, steam coming out of my ears and all. Not a pretty sight. I hung up the phone and went upstairs to clean (it's what I do when I get mad) and calm down.
As I am picking up items from the bedroom floor, I glance down and see a cord sticking out from under my bookcase. The thoughts that ran through my head in that split second were crazy. In a way I wanted it to be my flat iron so I wouldn't have to go into any more debt having to buy another one. But on the other hand, I was hoping it was not the flat iron so I could prove that those corrupt people stole it from me.
I bent over, reached under and pulled out - my flat iron. I started bawling. I felt like such a loser. Here I have accused these people (in my head) and convinced myself they were no good, tattoo, punk, guys out to ransack my house and leave my air ducts dirty. I was a bit humbled.
I was taught a good lesson that day - not to jump to conclusions. At this point I knew what I had to do. I reluctantly called theevil lady back, told her what I found, and apologized profusely for contemplating that one of the guys would have taken it. At this point I couldn't hold back the tears. I wasn't looking for a pity party, just for her to accept my apology, which she did with hostility in her voice, but that was sufficient enough for me.
I can only imagine the stories they tell about me now. I just hope they're laughing about it too.
When we moved into our new house here in Ohio I wanted to get the carpets and air ducts cleaned right away. The previous owners had 2 if not more cats and at least 2 dogs. Carson and I have cat allergies and they were put to the test while we suffered for the first few weeks of living in the house.
I received a coupon packet in the mail and included was a deal for air duct cleaning. Being that I had no clue what reputable companies were in the area and not having any word of mouth suggestions, I figured that a company that offers a coupon should be reliable. Yeah.
Let's move on.
I called and scheduled the appointment.
I have had our air ducts cleaned at our previous house so I knew what to expect or at least I thought I knew. I figured a large truck showing the companies logo would pull into the driveway with a clean cut uniform wearing employee(s). They would unroll their huge industrial sized vacuum tubes attached to the truck, hook up to the furnace and vents, turn on the switch and major balloon type structures would protrude out of the back of the truck while it sucked out every ounce of dirt, hair, food, particles and lost toys that made their way into the vent system.
At least that has been my experience.
Oh boy - did I have it wrong.
On the day of the appointment a beat up white, rusty hatch back car pulls up and two young "boys" dressed in plain white t-shirts and khaki shorts along with a load of tattoos walk up to the front door and ring the bell. I thought they were here to sell me something, but then they announce they are here to clean my air ducts.
Uh, okay. Not quite the look I was expecting, but a small voice told me not to judge a book by it's cover and it kind of sounded like my mom. But my gut was telling me otherwise.
I let them in and my dog wouldn't stop sniffing them, which luckily they were very friendly and the one guy loved dogs so he kept playing with her. They also talked about their kids and showed me pictures. Not the most professional display, but I didn't mind that much.
I am not exactly sure what or how they attempted to suck out the crap that was sitting in my air ducts especially with the equipment they brought. It included a large shop vac (I kid you not), some type of compressed air pump, which they let Carson and Luke take turns playing with. Strange. But I got some cute pictures of the boys "working." And they also used "sanitizer" which came in a pump similar to the weed killer I have in the garage.
To me, it was all a bit too unprofessional. My standards aren't that high, but this wasn't even coming close to what it should have been. After 40 minutes of them going in and out of every single room in my house, doing whatever it was that they were doing, they brought the bill to me and I pulled out my coupon which was $74 for all the vents.
I had them do a few extra things, like clean the furnace, cold air returns, and main lines. They threw in the sanitizer (a $150 value) for free (my ass!) I am almost embarrassed to say how much I paid. It was no $74. Try adding a zero to the end of that and then we're a lot closer to the real amount. Just imagine my head as a sucker, like in the old cartoons. I had been HAD.
I let it set in for a few hours. The shock was overwhelming and I contemplated how was I going to tell my husband how much I paid without divorce papers being filed? In the meantime I went upstairs to straighten my hair and get ready to go out and run some errands. Except, my flat iron was not sitting on the counter next to the sink where it usually was. I looked in the drawers, but came up with nothing. I asked the boys if they had seen it or had been playing with it, but they insisted they had no clue what I was talking about. This flat iron is one of the nicer ones that the professionals use. So you know it comes with a high price tag.
Here goes my gut reaction again. My mind starting going and I instantly thought that maybe the cleaning boys took it. It sounds stupid for a guy to take a woman's flat iron, but hey, there's a quick $100 you could make. This idea was not sitting well with me.
I put on my detective hat and and started doing some research. Of course I did not have the coupon and I didn't know the name of the company. The receipt they left me only said a generic name of which I couldn't find doing an online search. And the phone # on the receipt just rang with no answer. I left a message for the distributor of the coupon pack hoping they could help, but with no such luck. I called a neighbor and explained the situation hoping she had kept the coupon, but she had thrown them away. Although, she did offer a good suggestion, to call the police department and see what they recommend I do next.
I tried calling the company's number again and got in touch with the "owner". I told her the situation with the missing flat iron and explained that I didn't want to make false accusations, but was hoping they could shed any light on if they had seen it lying around. She was pretty defensive right away, but said she would get in touch with the guys and call me back later in the day.
In the meantime, I contacted the Better Business Bureau to see if they had any negative reports against them, which they had not. The representative took my information. I also called the police department to see what advice they could give me. They said I could either come into the station to fill out a police report or they could come to the house. I accepted neither, since I wasn't completely sure they were the culprits or not. I also contacted my credit card company to see if my card had been charged yet in which it was pending and also meant I wasn't able to stop it. They did say I could dispute the charge once it posted. That wasn't helping me at the moment.
Since I had not shopped around initially, I decided to call another local air duct company to get their advice. We talked in depth for quite awhile about the services they provide, what I should have received, and the price I should have paid, oh say half of what I dished out already. After getting off the phone I felt like I had been taken advantage of. Completely! I was mad so I called the company back to complain and request a refund.
And do you know what that lady told me after going back and forth with each other? She said I had buyers remorse and I should have done my shopping around before I allowed their company to clean my air ducts.
Oh no she di'n't!
Oh yes she did!
The nerve of her to tell me that I had buyers remorse. By this point I was fuming, steam coming out of my ears and all. Not a pretty sight. I hung up the phone and went upstairs to clean (it's what I do when I get mad) and calm down.
As I am picking up items from the bedroom floor, I glance down and see a cord sticking out from under my bookcase. The thoughts that ran through my head in that split second were crazy. In a way I wanted it to be my flat iron so I wouldn't have to go into any more debt having to buy another one. But on the other hand, I was hoping it was not the flat iron so I could prove that those corrupt people stole it from me.
I bent over, reached under and pulled out - my flat iron. I started bawling. I felt like such a loser. Here I have accused these people (in my head) and convinced myself they were no good, tattoo, punk, guys out to ransack my house and leave my air ducts dirty. I was a bit humbled.
I was taught a good lesson that day - not to jump to conclusions. At this point I knew what I had to do. I reluctantly called the
I can only imagine the stories they tell about me now. I just hope they're laughing about it too.
Friday, October 24, 2008
3 Days!
Crap!
There are only 3 days until hubby and I leave for our vacation. How in the world did it sneak up on me so fast? I've spent the last few days preparing, packing, pulling my hair out.
It's always been in the back of my mind and my gentle reminder on the sidebar has helped as well, but time is going a bit too fast. I hope it can slow down next week so we can enjoy the escape we need so very much.
While we're gone the boys get to have their grandparents stay with them for a week. Excitement doesn't even come close to describe how crazy the boys are in anticipation. It should be a fun (and hopefully not too stressful) week for all.
We are going on a 5 night Western Caribbean cruise making stops in Key West, Cozumel, and Belize City. I am looking forward to spending one on one time with hubby, fine dining, dressing up, laying around soaking up some sun, shopping and catching up on sleep. The last time we went away together was when Carson (boy #2) was 9 months old. So we're due for a get away - alone!
Don't worry, while I'm gone I will still have posts that I have waiting to go. No guest bloggers or anything like that (cause I'm not that cool.) But it will be like I never left. Lucky you!
I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and you'll get the full report when I get back.
Miss me, would ya?
There are only 3 days until hubby and I leave for our vacation. How in the world did it sneak up on me so fast? I've spent the last few days preparing, packing, pulling my hair out.
It's always been in the back of my mind and my gentle reminder on the sidebar has helped as well, but time is going a bit too fast. I hope it can slow down next week so we can enjoy the escape we need so very much.
While we're gone the boys get to have their grandparents stay with them for a week. Excitement doesn't even come close to describe how crazy the boys are in anticipation. It should be a fun (and hopefully not too stressful) week for all.
We are going on a 5 night Western Caribbean cruise making stops in Key West, Cozumel, and Belize City. I am looking forward to spending one on one time with hubby, fine dining, dressing up, laying around soaking up some sun, shopping and catching up on sleep. The last time we went away together was when Carson (boy #2) was 9 months old. So we're due for a get away - alone!
Don't worry, while I'm gone I will still have posts that I have waiting to go. No guest bloggers or anything like that (cause I'm not that cool.) But it will be like I never left. Lucky you!
I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and you'll get the full report when I get back.
Miss me, would ya?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Out of their mouths
Here is the 12th installment of my boys and the things they say. If you missed previous versions and would like to get caught up, click the "kid sayings" link at the end of this post. You'll get your money's worth, oh wait, I don't get paid for this stuff. Maybe I should.
____________________________________________
I overheard Carson talking to Luke and he was attempting to refer to our home state of Indiana, but he couldn't get the word right. He came up to me and asked what the name of the place was that we used to live so I told him Indiana. He goes back to Luke and asks, "Hey, Luke. Do you want to go back to visit Indian-ana?"
____________________________________________
While waiting in the drive through line at Wendy's I asked the boys what they wanted to drink. Then Luke proceeds to ask me if I was going to get a coffee or a beer.
____________________________________________
Luke and I were taking a walk around the neighborhood and he pointed to a lawn sign for the upcoming presidential election and asked in an excited voice, "Are they having a garage sale?"
____________________________________________
Completely random and out of the blue Carson asks me, "Mom, do ants poop?"
____________________________________________
Luke's word for marbles is "Narbles"
Luke's word for Subway is "Suv-way"
And that's all I've got for now. But knowing my kids, they are full of fun questions and comments. Have no fear. They'll be back. muwhahaha.
____________________________________________
I overheard Carson talking to Luke and he was attempting to refer to our home state of Indiana, but he couldn't get the word right. He came up to me and asked what the name of the place was that we used to live so I told him Indiana. He goes back to Luke and asks, "Hey, Luke. Do you want to go back to visit Indian-ana?"
____________________________________________
While waiting in the drive through line at Wendy's I asked the boys what they wanted to drink. Then Luke proceeds to ask me if I was going to get a coffee or a beer.
____________________________________________
Luke and I were taking a walk around the neighborhood and he pointed to a lawn sign for the upcoming presidential election and asked in an excited voice, "Are they having a garage sale?"
____________________________________________
Completely random and out of the blue Carson asks me, "Mom, do ants poop?"
____________________________________________
Luke's word for marbles is "Narbles"
Luke's word for Subway is "Suv-way"
And that's all I've got for now. But knowing my kids, they are full of fun questions and comments. Have no fear. They'll be back. muwhahaha.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wordless Wednesday - Random Shots
Here are some random pictures for your viewing enjoyment. These are my attempts at photography (of which I know nothing about, but thought they turned out cool.)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I've got sunshine
On a (partly) cloudy (cold and windy) day.
When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May.
Well, I guess you'll say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl - talking 'bout Folding Laundry girl, as in Beth.
Today I have had a smile on my face, a spring in my step, and an attitude of happiness.
Beth and her wonderful family stopped by for a visit on their way back home to Indiana. It's amazing what joy a friend can bring you, especially one you haven't seen in awhile. Although their visit was short, it still meant so much to me.
I didn't tell my boys they were coming, but I did tell them they had a surprise to look forward to. The suspense was killing them. And when the doorbell rang this morning and I announced that the surprise was here, the look on their faces was priceless. I think they were in pure shock. They stood there and stared with huge grins on their faces. I wish I could have captured that moment on tape, but it will always be in my heart.
The kids went right to playing and we ended up losing track of time. It was already ten after twelve and Carson's bus had gone by without him getting on it. Oops!
To spend time with one of my true friends was exactly what I needed. It has brightened my day. So I challenge each of you today to reach out and give a friend a call or send them a note or an email to tell them you're thinking about them. You'll never know how much that can make their day and put a smile on their face.
When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May.
Well, I guess you'll say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl - talking 'bout Folding Laundry girl, as in Beth.
Today I have had a smile on my face, a spring in my step, and an attitude of happiness.
Beth and her wonderful family stopped by for a visit on their way back home to Indiana. It's amazing what joy a friend can bring you, especially one you haven't seen in awhile. Although their visit was short, it still meant so much to me.
I didn't tell my boys they were coming, but I did tell them they had a surprise to look forward to. The suspense was killing them. And when the doorbell rang this morning and I announced that the surprise was here, the look on their faces was priceless. I think they were in pure shock. They stood there and stared with huge grins on their faces. I wish I could have captured that moment on tape, but it will always be in my heart.
The kids went right to playing and we ended up losing track of time. It was already ten after twelve and Carson's bus had gone by without him getting on it. Oops!
To spend time with one of my true friends was exactly what I needed. It has brightened my day. So I challenge each of you today to reach out and give a friend a call or send them a note or an email to tell them you're thinking about them. You'll never know how much that can make their day and put a smile on their face.
I lied.
You know how in my last post I said I wasn't getting any more political? Well, check the title to this post. Yep, looks like politics are rubbing off on me. The lying and all.
My F.I.L. forwarded me a picture that I couldn't resist posting. Someone's got a great knack at photoshop. Thanks Hawkeye!
And while we're on the topic of confessions, I have another one to make.
I'm not really going to get a tattoo. I don't have any to boast of and will most likely never have one. If I ever did one, it would have to be meaningful - the initials of my boys - TLC. But as far as a design goes, that is where I get hung up.
So, in the meantime I put my nose piercing back in. (Go ahead, reread that last sentence.)
Yes I did. I felt naked without it. It was after a few glasses of wine, 24 hours after I had taken it out, that I wanted to attempt to see if the piercing had closed up. Sure enough, I was able to get it back in, a little more forcibly than I would have liked, but that's what the wine is for. Numb the pain baby. I think the one day reprieve did wonders for the healing process, so now I know what to do when it flares up. I should be able to get it back in under the influence of wine of course. Who knew?
My F.I.L. forwarded me a picture that I couldn't resist posting. Someone's got a great knack at photoshop. Thanks Hawkeye!
And while we're on the topic of confessions, I have another one to make.
I'm not really going to get a tattoo. I don't have any to boast of and will most likely never have one. If I ever did one, it would have to be meaningful - the initials of my boys - TLC. But as far as a design goes, that is where I get hung up.
So, in the meantime I put my nose piercing back in. (Go ahead, reread that last sentence.)
Yes I did. I felt naked without it. It was after a few glasses of wine, 24 hours after I had taken it out, that I wanted to attempt to see if the piercing had closed up. Sure enough, I was able to get it back in, a little more forcibly than I would have liked, but that's what the wine is for. Numb the pain baby. I think the one day reprieve did wonders for the healing process, so now I know what to do when it flares up. I should be able to get it back in under the influence of wine of course. Who knew?
Monday, October 20, 2008
As political as you will see this blog get.
I couldn't resist - I like to infuse humor in every aspect of life.
Cat championship include Obama, McCain - the cats
NEW YORK (AP) — Barack Obama and John McCain will attend a New York cat show this weekend — Obama the Bombay cat and McCain the American Shorthair, that is.
The two felines are vying for the title of "Purr-fect President" at the Cat Fanciers' Association-IAMS 2008 championship that opens Saturday at Madison Square Garden.
More than 40 breeds are represented among the several hundred competing animals. The top title goes for "Best in Show."
In addition, hundreds of other kittens and cats will be available for adoption.
This year's show also features a rescued New Jersey shelter cat and member of the Iams Trained Cats that perform Olympic-style tricks.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Hide and Seek
"They've found me. I don't know how, but they've found me. Run for it Marty!"
Do you know what movie that is from? It's my all time favorite.
Back to the Future!
This phrase has been running through my head and it's so pertinent, except that I'm not referring to the Libyans. It's my boys - they've found my stash.
And before you all go freaking out - my stash is chocolate, nothing illegal here.
Around this house chocolate does not last but a few days. The kids are like vultures when I occasionally buy it - they can smell it through the grocery bag. So, unless I hide it, there is no chance I will get the daily dose I need. And yes, it's a necessity.
I have found that when I get a craving for something sweet I can either devour a huge piece of cheesecake, a half dozen cookies, a king size candy bar, or I can sneak off to my stash and indulge in a wonderful piece of Dove dark chocolate. That will satisfy my craving and saves me tons of empty calories.
This was working all fine and dandy until Carson got a little too sneaky and discovered my awesome hiding spot. The nerve of him!
I may have to try Here's the Diehl's suggestion and hide them in the freezer. Any other suggestions? This girl needs her chocolate for her sanity and well-being!
In the meantime, I think I will turn on my favorite movie and sit down with a bowl of M&M's. Oh wait - Carson found those too.
Do you know what movie that is from? It's my all time favorite.
Back to the Future!
This phrase has been running through my head and it's so pertinent, except that I'm not referring to the Libyans. It's my boys - they've found my stash.
And before you all go freaking out - my stash is chocolate, nothing illegal here.
Around this house chocolate does not last but a few days. The kids are like vultures when I occasionally buy it - they can smell it through the grocery bag. So, unless I hide it, there is no chance I will get the daily dose I need. And yes, it's a necessity.
I have found that when I get a craving for something sweet I can either devour a huge piece of cheesecake, a half dozen cookies, a king size candy bar, or I can sneak off to my stash and indulge in a wonderful piece of Dove dark chocolate. That will satisfy my craving and saves me tons of empty calories.
This was working all fine and dandy until Carson got a little too sneaky and discovered my awesome hiding spot. The nerve of him!
I may have to try Here's the Diehl's suggestion and hide them in the freezer. Any other suggestions? This girl needs her chocolate for her sanity and well-being!
In the meantime, I think I will turn on my favorite movie and sit down with a bowl of M&M's. Oh wait - Carson found those too.
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