Comcast vs. AT&T

We have been a AT&T customers for a long time and they have been OK.  Over the years we have had a love hate relationship but it never got to the point (ok maybe a couple times) that I just wanted to QUIT their service.  However, last week we got notice that our bill is going up to $200- for Internet and Cable ONLY!  WTF!

Very odd thing happened the day we got THAT notice a Comcast door to door salesman came knocking letting us know he will give us a deal- $89 a month for Cable, Internet and Phone.  We haven't had a phone here for the whole 2years- we did have it set up but AT&T couldn't figure out why we couldn't get phone service and never came back to fix it.  We had cell phones so no big deal.  Well the kids are getting bigger and it would be nice to have a phone for them to use. 

We said YES we would give it shot- 30 days to try it.  Comcast came and did the install but I found out they are NOT wireless and we had to go buy a wireless router but that was okay because I think we should have done that awhile back for the video game players anyways.  Then when he set up the phone he said the phone line was cut...shame on you AT&Tfor not figuring that out!

Do I like Comcast better?  It has its pro's and con's!
Pros:

• Picture is far better
• a lot more channels
• loving On Demand
• have HD now
• my hubby has more sports to watch

Cons:

• I can only DVR 2 programs at a time
• TV/Internet gets stuck sometimes
• The channel guide and menu sucks
• Very confusing sometimes (but that could just be me lol)

We have only had a couple days so not sure if I can say we LOVE or HATE it yet.  Who do you go thru and what is your opinion.

X-Factor Show

My TOP 3...each performance made me cry plus give me goose bumps!    Can't wait for tonight to see who else will win my heart.

Simon wasn't mean....YET!  There were some bizarre acts though but overall enjoyed the show.  It's like American Idol (of course) but I like that it is open to wider age range and groups. 

Netflix- WTH Did You Do??

Sticking my tongue out at Netflix for making me change my plan. When I saw my bank statement and how much I was being charged I was WTF!  I almost cancelled my membership all together but I'm going to give them another chance.  My kids love watching Netflix on the iPad and I love watching old TV shows so I don't want to give up so quickly..we've had a great relationship up to this point.

I changed my plan to 1 DVD at a time and unlimited streaming for almost $16 a month.  I figure this plan will work with us and it's almost $10 cheaper a month.  I thought it was quite strange they separated the DVD's and the Streaming but whatever, I guess they had a reason- just weird!

What did you do: change, cancel or just stayed the same? 

Our 5yr Wedding Anniversary

Wow made it 5 yrs..hot damn.  I've been with my hubby for 12 years-been  married 5 of them.  I must have grown up because this is my longest relationship EVER! 

I'm not saying we have the perfect marriage (far from it) but hey we make it work.  I've learned to choose my battles. I'm not a fighter but a lover so I tend not to fight too much.  Don't you think fighting takes up way too much time plus energy.  Yes, I mumble under my breath when I walk into the kitchen and he has left every cupboard open but I close them since its ME who it bothers not HIM.  Or when I look at his side of the bedroom and I just want to scream "CLEAN YOUR AREA MF"  Why don't I just clean his area up..you ask?  Because he is grown and can clean up after himself!  I cook his food, clean the other parts of the house and fold his laundry so throwing away his nightly beer bottles and putting away his clothes is NOT asking much in my world.  We all have our own way and this way works for us for now..lol! 

He deals with my monthly painful monthly attacks, my bitchiness, and all the other crap I put him through. Plus he makes me laugh daily.  I'm good and the grass isn't always greener on the other side.  Sometimes we think it is but its not. 

So on with the next 5 years...lets see what we can accomplish and how much we grow.  Because I have GROWN a lot with my hubby and with that said I'm looking forward to the years ahead, I think LOL! 

Laughter- Love - Life !!!

I have FAT Calves!

Now don't laugh at the title because it's the TRUTH!  I don't mind having a fat butt and boobs but why was I blessed with fat calves too!  I can't wear all these cute boots I keep seeing.  Couple months ago I went boot shopping and nothing fit!  I went home and bought a pair online.  Guess what ...they didn't fit either.  I know I should have known but in my head I kept telling myself ... it will fit no worries.  Not sure who I was trying to fool, hehe!

I know I can exercise and get better looking calves and maybe someday that will happen.  But for now I have fat calves and it sucks.  So I was searching for places to buy plus size boots for my little feet and and came across a cool site~http://www.torrid.com  they even have a SALE going on with some cool promo codes. 

I haven't shopped there YET but I'm going to soon.  Mama needs some new shoes (or boots heck why not a whole outfit)!  I'm just SHARING info and hopefully someone can use these codes.

Back to Work!

Well I did it....I went back to the Cafe.  I know I bitched and moaned when I quit but I'm happy to be back.  I really missed my customers, making people smile is very important to me.  I like to make peoples day when they come in to enjoy food/coffee.  When you go out and spend money don't you want it to be a good experience- I know I do so I like to give that to others. 

Will things be different, no idea but for me I'm just not going to let the craziness effect me.  I can't change people and if customer service is not their main reason for working at the cafe- not my problem...I can only do ME! 
It feels SOOOOO GOOD having some money in my pocket too.  I was getting very depressed.  Having to ask someone else for money was not fun (even though it was my hubby).  He was okay about it but I could tell it was stressing him out. 
We got a bit behind on bills and we will be playing catch for a couple months but we did SURVIVE.  I feel very blessed to be able to go back to work.  So Waitress Pam is BACK!  Now I just have to convince my body it will be OK, I was so sore after working but I just have to get used to it again. 

I'm NOT a Gardener

I don't like dirt, ants, spiders, and bees so how in the world did I think I could be a gardener.  I tried and let me tell you I suck at it.  I suck at gardening- I said it loud and clear.  After about 20 minutes of weeding this and pulling that my throat starts feeling like it wants to close and an overwhelming feeling of  nausea overcomes me so inside I go. 
I admit I don't like being outside unless I have to, mainly because I'm a redhead and the sun isn't necessary my friend.  I burn even when I have sunscreen on.  I know ...whine whine but I'm being honest.  It's no wonder I didn't make it in Fresno with all the HOT weather.  Give me blue sky and a breeze anyday.

So what am I going to do with the beautiful backyard full of weeds and an organic garden that needs some TLC.  We did okay planting some items and did enjoy our homegrown veggies.  I told my hubby that the inside of the house is my domain and the outside is his but he is a busy man so it doesn't get done as much as I would like it to.  Maybe I should hire someone!!  Oh that's right can't afford it right now.

I want to enjoy our yard I really do!  I need ideas on how to overcome my dislike of bugs and dirt.  Plus it's rubbing off on Lil Mama, we were all out in the yard working the other day and all she wanted to do was water the garden and yard then lets us know she was going to go ride her bike because she didn't want to get dirty.  You should have seen the look on my hubby's face and he pointed at me then shook his head. 
What is good for winter gardens?  Do you have any gardening tips that might help me stop being such a wimp outside?

Klout.com and Sharpie

I got this big orange box from the mailman yesterday and when I opened it I was in AWE!  I can't believe all the awesome sharpie products I get to use now.  I told the kids and hubby STAY AWAY until I have time to use myself! 

Look at all the cool stuff:

The box is cool too!  I was able to receive this wonderful product from Klout~ Klout is a San Francisco based company that provides social media analytics that measures a user's influence across their social network.  My Klout Score is 40!!

I really enjoy Klout.com because their PERKS are awesome.  Next week I'll be getting Axe products, I have a 21 yr old son who loves Axe.  I can't wait to make some cool hats with my Lil Mama with our new Stained by Sharpie- we are already brainstorming.  My hubby was eyeing all the cool stuff too and I know he wants to use some of the Fine Sharpie pens for his airbrush designs.  The creativity is just swarming us this weekend.

Check out all the COOL stuff on Sharpie~ http://www.sharpie.com/

If you want to connect on Klout.com~ http://klout.com/#/PinkMama68/

You have to look at this YouTube video on this guy who draws on coffee cups:

I was given a free product or sample because I'm a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

http://klout.com/perks/disclosure

 

Do you have cool ideas on what you would use with SHARPIE PRODUCTS?

Back To School 2011

My little buggers are enjoying their first week of the school year.  Hearing them talk about what they are learning and going to learn is exciting for all us.  Dinner time is full of conversation now. 

I enjoyed the 1st day way too much I think because 3pm came very quick and I almost forgot to get them.  I was about 10 minutes late.  Last year school ended at 3:15 and this year it's 3pm so I blame it on the time change, not that I was enjoying the quiet so much.  The past 3 days have been very nice!  I get up early and do the housework while I'm juiced up on coffee then I have the day to do work online and other projects. 
My Lil Mama is in a split 1st/2nd grade class and at first I was WTF....no that's not going to work.  She is way too smart to do 1st grade over again.  She was top of her class in 1st grade and I just don't want her to be bored.  Lil Mama and boredom doesn't mix at all!   Her teacher and principal reassured me that it will be fine and she will be challenged.  Okay, I hope so! 

Lil Man well he feels all grown now...4th grade and all!  He asked the teacher if he could sit up in front because he wants to LEARN a lot this year.  Let's see how long that will last.  Lil Man is also in a split 4th/5 class but with 2 teachers.  I wasn't as worried because I want him to learn UP.  I know double standard. LOL! He is very excited to have 2 teachers and new school subjects.  He said today..it feels like I'm in Middle School- not sure I how he knows how that feels but I'll give it to him.

So Cheers to 2011-2012 School Year! 

Trying to be Organized this School Year!

I know in my world organizing and kids don't mix but I'm going to give it a try.  Can't hurt right! 

I've always packed their lunches, made sure their backpacks are by the front door, they have jackets, and made sure they brought what they needed to school.  This year I'm feeling they need to be a bit more responsible for themselves.  They are 7 and 9...LOL!  My 9 yr old wants a phone really bad but if I don't make sure he has his lunch box/backpack he will leave it behind and call me an hour later asking for me to bring it (BTW I don't-unless it is an emergency).  Teaching them to be responsible plus organized, let's see how that goes. 

Here is MY PLAN:

• I'm going to make CHECKLISTS for before and after school duties.  I have a door in our kitchen that I plan to hang up everything on it- ONE PLACE!  What a concept!  I will remind them to check it daily.
• Along with the checklist there will be a SCHEDULE. Morning, After-School, Before Bed. Mainly something to keep me on schedule and prepared!  Pack lunches and pick clothes the night before will be on there of course.
• Set up a FAMILY CALENDAR.  Each of us will have our own color (guess what my color will be..LOL) and we will write down stuff like school events, dad's big airbrush jobs, mom's meetings and other FAMILY stuff.  My son just started football so of course that will be going on there too!  This will help with time conflicts too.
• We will have a SCHOOL BINDER that I can put all stuff related to school in so we are not digging around for it the day it is due. 
• I want one place to hold all homework items (crayons, pens, pencils, papers) and NOT in their room.  I'm going to assign each kid a shelf in the cupboard in the kitchen.  We do homework at the kitchen table and then everything is easy to get.  I don't want them to share anything because my kids tend to FIGHT over who has what so each will have their own supplies. 
• I made YEAR BOXES out of Costco cereal boxes for each kid.  They will be able to put in whatever they want to keep from school, bday cards, invites, pictures, and special papers.  At the end of the year we go through it and pick out what really needs to be saved and we put the box up for them look thru later in life.  This will be the 3rd year doing this. 

Well the PLAN sounds good, right?  What are you doing to get ORGANIZED for school?  Let's share our ideas.