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.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Body Worlds, Bodies Not Working...
Last month was my mom's birthday. She, like most people, is not the easiest to shop for. Going out to dinner is not even something she would ever ask to do. So, to celebrate, we did go out to dinner! (Hey, I like to go out, what can I say?) We had a great dinner at Ruby Tuesday's because I love their salad bar and she needs to eat more salad!
For a "gift" we took her to an exhibit at the Museum of Science. This was a traveling exhibit of the human body, hence, called Body Worlds. Quick, check out the link, because I'm not sure how long it will work. The exhibit is up this month. A year or so ago, the exhibit was here and it was all the rage! During the final weekend they even open the exhibit up 24 hours. We couldn't even get tickets for sleeping hours last time. This year, I think the controversy (or the economy) caused a serious decline in the attraction. Who knows, maybe everyone who wanted to see it went last time? Anyway, we picked an week night to go this time and pretty much had the place to ourselves. It was gross. They are real human bodies on exhibit to "bare all". There were lots of bodies showing muscles and organs. Also, there were organs displayed -- of course the ever popular smoker's lung was there. The museum has advertised the human brain exhibit there, too. (It didn't look like much to me.) There was even a special section on pregnancy. Now, I thought this to be educational, but also extremely sad. I mean, these were live beings that somehow are no longer living, but had been pregnant. They also had several fetus/infants at various stages. I had issues with this, how did they really acquire these donated bodies? (Another topic, another day, I guess...) For our group, we had a heightened interest in the liver.
Just days before Christmas my mom was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. No, my mom is not a drinker, she never has been. At this time, they do not know the cause of the problem, and that's ok...I mean it's taken months to get an actual diagnosis out of someone! The doctor she's seeing has put her on some sort of liquid medicine that she only takes once a day, I think. The initial knowledge, I guess was a little shocking. Of course, it's serious, but so is anything that happens to one's body! The medicine made an almost immediate impact. Within a few days, my mom said her head "cleared out." (No she wasn't congested.) For months, she has felt like she's living in a fog, and the first thing she noticed with the medicine was that she could think more clearly. The energy level she had once the medicine had a few days in her system was also quite noticeable. Sadly, mom had been sluggish and exhausted all of the time. But, this medicine started taking the toxins out of her body that her liver is not filtering out. As with many medications, there are side effects. The most noticeable side effect was an increase in her sugar -- not good for the diabetes. Luckily, the medicine was adjusted and things have started to balance out better. Since December, she's been back to the doctor once for a repeat of blood work. The doctor would still like to do a biopsy and endoscopy to see how bad the damage is. Liver damage is generally not reversible, and in the most severe cases, transplants are needed. We don't know the degree of damage or the actual cause. One theory is that perhaps she was just born with poor functioning bile ducts and over time, the liver has just worn out. Only time (and more testing) will provide more answers.
For a "gift" we took her to an exhibit at the Museum of Science. This was a traveling exhibit of the human body, hence, called Body Worlds. Quick, check out the link, because I'm not sure how long it will work. The exhibit is up this month. A year or so ago, the exhibit was here and it was all the rage! During the final weekend they even open the exhibit up 24 hours. We couldn't even get tickets for sleeping hours last time. This year, I think the controversy (or the economy) caused a serious decline in the attraction. Who knows, maybe everyone who wanted to see it went last time? Anyway, we picked an week night to go this time and pretty much had the place to ourselves. It was gross. They are real human bodies on exhibit to "bare all". There were lots of bodies showing muscles and organs. Also, there were organs displayed -- of course the ever popular smoker's lung was there. The museum has advertised the human brain exhibit there, too. (It didn't look like much to me.) There was even a special section on pregnancy. Now, I thought this to be educational, but also extremely sad. I mean, these were live beings that somehow are no longer living, but had been pregnant. They also had several fetus/infants at various stages. I had issues with this, how did they really acquire these donated bodies? (Another topic, another day, I guess...) For our group, we had a heightened interest in the liver.
Just days before Christmas my mom was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. No, my mom is not a drinker, she never has been. At this time, they do not know the cause of the problem, and that's ok...I mean it's taken months to get an actual diagnosis out of someone! The doctor she's seeing has put her on some sort of liquid medicine that she only takes once a day, I think. The initial knowledge, I guess was a little shocking. Of course, it's serious, but so is anything that happens to one's body! The medicine made an almost immediate impact. Within a few days, my mom said her head "cleared out." (No she wasn't congested.) For months, she has felt like she's living in a fog, and the first thing she noticed with the medicine was that she could think more clearly. The energy level she had once the medicine had a few days in her system was also quite noticeable. Sadly, mom had been sluggish and exhausted all of the time. But, this medicine started taking the toxins out of her body that her liver is not filtering out. As with many medications, there are side effects. The most noticeable side effect was an increase in her sugar -- not good for the diabetes. Luckily, the medicine was adjusted and things have started to balance out better. Since December, she's been back to the doctor once for a repeat of blood work. The doctor would still like to do a biopsy and endoscopy to see how bad the damage is. Liver damage is generally not reversible, and in the most severe cases, transplants are needed. We don't know the degree of damage or the actual cause. One theory is that perhaps she was just born with poor functioning bile ducts and over time, the liver has just worn out. Only time (and more testing) will provide more answers.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
New Beds
We'd been looking for the pups new beds. The old ones were, well, old. There had been many adventures for the old beds, and they wore well. But, it was just time fore new ones. Here's a picture of one of the new ones.
These are great -- they even have a Disney logo. No, we weren't that concerned with a "branded" dog bed. We couldn't beat the price! These are huge, fluffy, and seem to be enjoyed so far! Missy, seen below, seems to like to have her head on them during the day.
This is Daisy. I think she appreciates them most of all. I think the new beds are actually better than our human bed. Why else would the dogs prefer to sleep in them than with us?
These are great -- they even have a Disney logo. No, we weren't that concerned with a "branded" dog bed. We couldn't beat the price! These are huge, fluffy, and seem to be enjoyed so far! Missy, seen below, seems to like to have her head on them during the day.
This is Daisy. I think she appreciates them most of all. I think the new beds are actually better than our human bed. Why else would the dogs prefer to sleep in them than with us?
Man vs Squirrel
Wow, first of all, where have I been for the last 6 weeks??? I guess growing a new little human has taken over 99% of my energy. Plus, there's the stuff that I'm supposed to be doing to prepare for previously mentioned little human. Hopefully this weekend, I'll get a better update while I supervise the construction.
On to today's topic...Man vs Squirrel. Who will prevail? A few months ago, we noticed that we had a new alarm clock, the rap-tap-tapping of a squirrel. We would hear him coming and going through the screen just outside our bedroom window. It seemed that he would leave every morning around 7 AM. Now, I think they are quite cute, I even began calling our new attic-occupant Chester. He needed a name, right? So, at first it was cute. We're having a baby, hosting a refuge for a little squirrel. Well, maybe not so cute when you consider the rodent aspect of things. Definitely not so cute when you consider that we would hear him in the attic over the office -- all of those electrical wires may be in his way.
So, the man of the house decided to do the manly thing. We waited for one of those warm winter days. Surely the attic was too warm for Chester to stay up there. He took some new screen and closed up the "entrance". He's a thoughtful guy, so he was careful not to make it too difficult to re-open, should Chester still be up there. The next morning, we were notified as usual around 7 AM that Chester had not left the day before and was hard at work trying to get out. Of course, it was rather cold, and Chester seemed rather aggravated. So, he went to open up the screen. (Not only are we letting dogs in/out, now we've added to the chore of letting squirrels in/out!) Once outside, it was apparent that Chester was quite self-sufficient. The screen had been torn open and the intruder was no where to be seen.
We decided to call in back up. We brought Reno over. He's a German shepherd mix, and known "killer" to the rodent world. Among his greatest kills have been squirrels, birds and even the occasional opossum. Well, after a week or so, Reno decided he had more interest in chasing the squirrels on the ground than in the attic. He was returned to his rightful home, without the promised steak dinner.
This week, we began some much needed home repairs. (Another topic, for another day.) Honestly, I don't know the sequence of events this week, it's been rather chaotic around here. But, he thought the squirrel was out one evening. He and my dad boarded up the entrance. Then, the next morning, yep, he was trying to get out again. At least I think that's what happened. So, he must have let him out. Chester has already sprung forward, so our time schedules are not so well coordinated. I think Chester is now coming/going around 6 AM instead of 7 AM. The area was again sealed off -- wood and screen securely put in place.
Then, this morning at around 6:30 AM....you guessed it! We hear the "rap-tap-tapping". HE could not believe that the squirrel was back in the attic. In my sleepy state (I don't care so much that this little animal is there, in the 6 AM hour, I'm still eager to sleep.) HE jumps out of bed, opens the blinds, looks out the window, and has some choice words for this little rodent. (Yes, by now the cute little squirrel is officially an uninvited rodent occupying our attic, I fear the "gifts" he may be leaving for us up there.) HE then exclaims, "He's trying to get in! He's not trapped in the attic at all. Now, I have to get rid of him."
I wanted to sleep, but, if you could have been watching this, you would have been laughing, too! He leaps out of bed, asks how cold it is outside and begins preparing for his hunt. Well, it was a rather cool morning. It was like 49 degrees outside, and so there they went to hunt the squirrel...BB gun in hand. Within about a 20 minute time span, I hear about 3 shots go off. These were 3 of the weakest shots I've ever heard. I think if a BB would have hit the window, it would have bounced off. I do not think this will actually kill this squirrel. Now, I have to get up and look to see what I see, because this has to be kind of funny. Him in his PJ's, us in the city, him using a dinky little BB gun to try to discourage a little rodent from breaking & entering into the attic. I don't think I could describe this as comically as it appeared to me.
They came back inside. He tells me his story of the hunt. Apparently he's shooting at a squirrel that may be the one occupying the attic. He shot at the squirrel in a tree and on the roof of our house. He believes the sight is off on the BB gun, so next time, he will use the old faithful BB gun from his childhood. He did not actually see the squirrel(s) attempting to get in. Still, I'm sleepy, I just don't care. Then, rap-tap-tap again! Again, he jumps up, and opens the blinds. Chester is there! Chester is looking at us, we are looking at him! HE is off, with the other BB gun. He rushes outside, this time alone because even Daisy & Missy have lost interest. I see Chester is still outside our window. He shoots, the squirrel falls. I think it is over. Of course, this BB shot did not sound anymore powerful, or harmful than before. He comes back in reporting that he hit the squirrel, he claims the squirrel jumped down, landing on all fours, then took off under the fence.
My guess, Chester will live another day to wake me up, and attempt to break into our attic.
On to today's topic...Man vs Squirrel. Who will prevail? A few months ago, we noticed that we had a new alarm clock, the rap-tap-tapping of a squirrel. We would hear him coming and going through the screen just outside our bedroom window. It seemed that he would leave every morning around 7 AM. Now, I think they are quite cute, I even began calling our new attic-occupant Chester. He needed a name, right? So, at first it was cute. We're having a baby, hosting a refuge for a little squirrel. Well, maybe not so cute when you consider the rodent aspect of things. Definitely not so cute when you consider that we would hear him in the attic over the office -- all of those electrical wires may be in his way.
So, the man of the house decided to do the manly thing. We waited for one of those warm winter days. Surely the attic was too warm for Chester to stay up there. He took some new screen and closed up the "entrance". He's a thoughtful guy, so he was careful not to make it too difficult to re-open, should Chester still be up there. The next morning, we were notified as usual around 7 AM that Chester had not left the day before and was hard at work trying to get out. Of course, it was rather cold, and Chester seemed rather aggravated. So, he went to open up the screen. (Not only are we letting dogs in/out, now we've added to the chore of letting squirrels in/out!) Once outside, it was apparent that Chester was quite self-sufficient. The screen had been torn open and the intruder was no where to be seen.
We decided to call in back up. We brought Reno over. He's a German shepherd mix, and known "killer" to the rodent world. Among his greatest kills have been squirrels, birds and even the occasional opossum. Well, after a week or so, Reno decided he had more interest in chasing the squirrels on the ground than in the attic. He was returned to his rightful home, without the promised steak dinner.
This week, we began some much needed home repairs. (Another topic, for another day.) Honestly, I don't know the sequence of events this week, it's been rather chaotic around here. But, he thought the squirrel was out one evening. He and my dad boarded up the entrance. Then, the next morning, yep, he was trying to get out again. At least I think that's what happened. So, he must have let him out. Chester has already sprung forward, so our time schedules are not so well coordinated. I think Chester is now coming/going around 6 AM instead of 7 AM. The area was again sealed off -- wood and screen securely put in place.
Then, this morning at around 6:30 AM....you guessed it! We hear the "rap-tap-tapping". HE could not believe that the squirrel was back in the attic. In my sleepy state (I don't care so much that this little animal is there, in the 6 AM hour, I'm still eager to sleep.) HE jumps out of bed, opens the blinds, looks out the window, and has some choice words for this little rodent. (Yes, by now the cute little squirrel is officially an uninvited rodent occupying our attic, I fear the "gifts" he may be leaving for us up there.) HE then exclaims, "He's trying to get in! He's not trapped in the attic at all. Now, I have to get rid of him."
I wanted to sleep, but, if you could have been watching this, you would have been laughing, too! He leaps out of bed, asks how cold it is outside and begins preparing for his hunt. Well, it was a rather cool morning. It was like 49 degrees outside, and so there they went to hunt the squirrel...BB gun in hand. Within about a 20 minute time span, I hear about 3 shots go off. These were 3 of the weakest shots I've ever heard. I think if a BB would have hit the window, it would have bounced off. I do not think this will actually kill this squirrel. Now, I have to get up and look to see what I see, because this has to be kind of funny. Him in his PJ's, us in the city, him using a dinky little BB gun to try to discourage a little rodent from breaking & entering into the attic. I don't think I could describe this as comically as it appeared to me.
They came back inside. He tells me his story of the hunt. Apparently he's shooting at a squirrel that may be the one occupying the attic. He shot at the squirrel in a tree and on the roof of our house. He believes the sight is off on the BB gun, so next time, he will use the old faithful BB gun from his childhood. He did not actually see the squirrel(s) attempting to get in. Still, I'm sleepy, I just don't care. Then, rap-tap-tap again! Again, he jumps up, and opens the blinds. Chester is there! Chester is looking at us, we are looking at him! HE is off, with the other BB gun. He rushes outside, this time alone because even Daisy & Missy have lost interest. I see Chester is still outside our window. He shoots, the squirrel falls. I think it is over. Of course, this BB shot did not sound anymore powerful, or harmful than before. He comes back in reporting that he hit the squirrel, he claims the squirrel jumped down, landing on all fours, then took off under the fence.
My guess, Chester will live another day to wake me up, and attempt to break into our attic.
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