OK, I married a TV addict. This is no surprise. I knew of his condition for years prior to marriage. As a matter of fact, I'm more surprised that he didn't install cable into the house for a couple of years after we moved in. (Proof that at some point, he was money conscious.) Cable TV (specifically Comcast) has been the source of many, many unhappy days in our house over the last few months -- longer than that, but not worth going into...
A few months ago, together, we decided enough was enough. We began looking into satellite TV. We have satellite radio in his truck, and while we won't continue it, it works. The radio programming just doesn't meet our preferences. The quality is quite amazing. On our road trips, we rarely loose signal, and if we do, it's just for a blink under a bridge or through a tunnel. This TV satellite thing, wow, hold on to your pocket books because it is incredibly surprising. First of all, I think it would be easier to re-enroll in college than to learn about the options between the providers.
The details you learn when comparing providers is overwhelming. Of course, they all tell you about how much you will save over cable. Which, is really true, we're saving a ton over cable, but only for the introductory period. Of course, to sign up with a provider, we had to commit to be with them for 24 months. I know people who don't stay married for 24 months, but we just agreed to stay with a satellite provider for that long!
Direct offered more channels -- and more "on-demand" things. HE liked the on-demand, he liked the more channels, I was hoping for a DVR. With Direct, we would need a receiver for each TV that would be used. That's 3 receivers in our house. There's a monthly fee for each receiver in addition to the bucks that go out the door in the beginning just to lease the receiver. I wanted a DVR. I felt as if we needed a DVR. In reality, I'm sure we don't even need all the channels, but if he can have lots of channels, shouldn't I be able to record something on TV??? We went with Dish...few channels, yes. Cheaper price, no upfront fees to lease the HD DVR (or so we thought), DVR included (at least in the beginning), and most importantly, we know two families who use Dish.
What I've learned...
--Even with Dish, you will need multiple receivers if you wish to have your HD TV receiving an HD signal.
--Even with Dish, you will have your bill double after 6 months.
--Even with Dish, I will be able to record shows, but must watch them on that TV or the TV connected to that box. (This made me very sad.)
-- Dish has on-demand, but with way fewer things to watch on-demand.
-- The Dish receiver is only good for 2 TV's. If you have 3, you'll need more than one box inside.
Moral of the story, momma's don't let your kids grow up to be TV addicts. It's incredibly expensive and rather confusing. (This has been a real waste of my limited brain function over the last few weeks.)
We miss you guys so much...
Puppy Pals -- just hanging out together!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
So Happy, So Sad...all in the same day
The emotions of today have been great.
A childhood, lifelong friend was to deliver her twins today. She did. Twins, a boy and a girl, everyone healthy and doing well. A new world for her. She will be a great mother, he will be a fantastic dad. Those kids will be well cared for and much love will be shared because they have the family they have always wanted. I woke up thinking of them and their plans for today. As we worked this morning, we discussed what a day they must be having. I thanked God for taking such good care of them and showing us all the miracles He can give.
Then, there was tonight. My mom called, but it was an odd call. She called on his cell phone, from her cell phone. She would not tell me what she wanted, she said she'd call back later and talk to him. I was on the phone with a friend I don't talk to enough, so I let it go. I even forgot to tell him I answered her call on his cell phone. When he called her back, I didn't realize what was going on. He let me finish my call, then asked about the friend I was talking to. Then he told me why my mom called.
Another childhood, lifelong friend, a sad story. We grew up together -- from the time we were probably only 3 years old. Of all of my friends, she's no doubt known me longer than any other. Her dad died today. I cannot even put into words how great of a person he was, or how much he had to offer, or how much he will be missed. I am trying to be thankful for the time he had here, but it's just not easy, not even for me, a friend of this family.
How can this be, all within the same day, 2 new little blessings come in, and someone slips out, just like that? Feeling like life is so unfair tonight. I will have both families in my thoughts and prayers. The next few days, weeks, even months will bring upon many unexpected moments for each of them.
A childhood, lifelong friend was to deliver her twins today. She did. Twins, a boy and a girl, everyone healthy and doing well. A new world for her. She will be a great mother, he will be a fantastic dad. Those kids will be well cared for and much love will be shared because they have the family they have always wanted. I woke up thinking of them and their plans for today. As we worked this morning, we discussed what a day they must be having. I thanked God for taking such good care of them and showing us all the miracles He can give.
Then, there was tonight. My mom called, but it was an odd call. She called on his cell phone, from her cell phone. She would not tell me what she wanted, she said she'd call back later and talk to him. I was on the phone with a friend I don't talk to enough, so I let it go. I even forgot to tell him I answered her call on his cell phone. When he called her back, I didn't realize what was going on. He let me finish my call, then asked about the friend I was talking to. Then he told me why my mom called.
Another childhood, lifelong friend, a sad story. We grew up together -- from the time we were probably only 3 years old. Of all of my friends, she's no doubt known me longer than any other. Her dad died today. I cannot even put into words how great of a person he was, or how much he had to offer, or how much he will be missed. I am trying to be thankful for the time he had here, but it's just not easy, not even for me, a friend of this family.
How can this be, all within the same day, 2 new little blessings come in, and someone slips out, just like that? Feeling like life is so unfair tonight. I will have both families in my thoughts and prayers. The next few days, weeks, even months will bring upon many unexpected moments for each of them.
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