Five days and counting until the big Thanksgiving feast. I'm busy, busy, busy but have still
learned:
1. My son can sleepwalk and dance at the same time.
2. It's possible to cut your lip to the point of bleeding while eating ciabatta bread.
3. KitchenAid appliances do not meet expectations.
4. Dogs like trampolines.
5. The "elliptical" works better if you walk forward, not backward.
6. Silver spraypaint works wonders on old holiday decorations.
What have you learned?
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
KitchenAid - Yeesh!
I'm venting.
Nearly three years ago (November 7, 2005, to be exact) my husband and I purchased a KitchenAid dishwasher, refrigerator and double oven. These weren't regular floor models. These items were top of the line stainless steel appliances that cost as much as a two week trip to Tuscany for a family of three.
Notice the word "were."
Six months after installation the fan motor on the double oven stopped working, and is still on the fritz. Three months ago the motor on the ice maker went out. (Replacing the ice maker cost $400.) Yesterday...the dishwasher went to heaven. And, me, I'm in appliance hell.
Let's remind ourselves of today's date -- November 17 -- 10 days before Thanksgiving. Did I mention I'm hosting 21 people for the day? Let's review: oven on it's last legs and no dishwasher.
My husband and I did do an emergency run to ApplianceLand yesterday. We are now $1,500 poorer and keeping our fingers crossed that the dishwasher (NOT a KitchenAid) gets installed tomorrow as promised.
At least we have ice.
Nearly three years ago (November 7, 2005, to be exact) my husband and I purchased a KitchenAid dishwasher, refrigerator and double oven. These weren't regular floor models. These items were top of the line stainless steel appliances that cost as much as a two week trip to Tuscany for a family of three.
Notice the word "were."
Six months after installation the fan motor on the double oven stopped working, and is still on the fritz. Three months ago the motor on the ice maker went out. (Replacing the ice maker cost $400.) Yesterday...the dishwasher went to heaven. And, me, I'm in appliance hell.
Let's remind ourselves of today's date -- November 17 -- 10 days before Thanksgiving. Did I mention I'm hosting 21 people for the day? Let's review: oven on it's last legs and no dishwasher.
My husband and I did do an emergency run to ApplianceLand yesterday. We are now $1,500 poorer and keeping our fingers crossed that the dishwasher (NOT a KitchenAid) gets installed tomorrow as promised.
At least we have ice.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Shout-Outs
Real estate agents like myself (http://www.robynporter.com/) rely on word-of-mouth and/or referrals for a good part of their business. Many other businesses are the same. So, in the spirit of supporting my friends, other women and promoting outstanding services and products, I'm endorsing the following businesses. Give 'em a try. You won't be disappointed.
Keep U Connected (http://www.keepuconnected.com/)
From organizing your home to assisting you in your business, Keep-U-Connected will help you to stay connected in your personal and professional life and lighten your load. They are dedicated to helping busy people live successful and organized lives.
Tracy Porter (www. tracyporter.com)
Tracy Porter shares their home and fashion collections and amazing journies. Every collection is unique and inspired from all different aspects of life... from unbelievable trips, to the henny pennies frolicking in the creator's own backyard. Take a peek at the blog and discover favorites... Listen and watch... revel in decorating tips!
Monique's Estetique (301-340-2337)
Who doesn't enjoy a massage after a long week at the office? Facials, pedicures and manicures are also at the top of my list. Located in Montgomery County, MD, Monique's home-based salon is an oasis of tranquility for anyone living in the Washington DC metropolitan area.
Philbin's Family Athletic Training Center (http://www.philbinsatc.com/)
Get those kids away from the video games; pull your husband away from the tv and head to Philbin's. This full-service health club facility offers programs for the entire family. My son particularly loves the Speed & Agility clinics offered for boys and girls three days a week. I love the option to excersize while Jack is in the clinic. Great fun and low cost!
Team Profile Cards (703-963-0142)
The TPC card features your player’s photo on one side and the team roster, team member number, position, and parent’s name on the reverse side. Each card comes with team logo and colors. Especially great for youth sports, the cards help spectators identify players during the game. The TPC is also a great keepsake for family and friends.
Metis America (http://www.metisamerica.com/)
Metis America crafts campaign solutions that are designed to leverage clients’ valuable resources – their brands, their operations, their unique position in the marketplace. And they produce results. Industry leaders continue to turn to Metis/America Marketing when they need an active partner who demonstrates a passion for getting the job done.
Keep up the great work!!!
P.S. Feel free to pass these recommendations on!
Keep U Connected (http://www.keepuconnected.com/)
From organizing your home to assisting you in your business, Keep-U-Connected will help you to stay connected in your personal and professional life and lighten your load. They are dedicated to helping busy people live successful and organized lives.
Tracy Porter (www. tracyporter.com)
Tracy Porter shares their home and fashion collections and amazing journies. Every collection is unique and inspired from all different aspects of life... from unbelievable trips, to the henny pennies frolicking in the creator's own backyard. Take a peek at the blog and discover favorites... Listen and watch... revel in decorating tips!
Monique's Estetique (301-340-2337)
Who doesn't enjoy a massage after a long week at the office? Facials, pedicures and manicures are also at the top of my list. Located in Montgomery County, MD, Monique's home-based salon is an oasis of tranquility for anyone living in the Washington DC metropolitan area.
Philbin's Family Athletic Training Center (http://www.philbinsatc.com/)
Get those kids away from the video games; pull your husband away from the tv and head to Philbin's. This full-service health club facility offers programs for the entire family. My son particularly loves the Speed & Agility clinics offered for boys and girls three days a week. I love the option to excersize while Jack is in the clinic. Great fun and low cost!
Team Profile Cards (703-963-0142)
The TPC card features your player’s photo on one side and the team roster, team member number, position, and parent’s name on the reverse side. Each card comes with team logo and colors. Especially great for youth sports, the cards help spectators identify players during the game. The TPC is also a great keepsake for family and friends.
Metis America (http://www.metisamerica.com/)
Metis America crafts campaign solutions that are designed to leverage clients’ valuable resources – their brands, their operations, their unique position in the marketplace. And they produce results. Industry leaders continue to turn to Metis/America Marketing when they need an active partner who demonstrates a passion for getting the job done.
Keep up the great work!!!
P.S. Feel free to pass these recommendations on!
What I've Learned This Weekend
Another week closer to the holidays! Where has the year gone?? While trying to cram all the details of getting ready for welcomed guests I've learned:
1. It is possible to sit in the pouring rain and still enjoy a football game (however your hotdog will get rather soggy).
2. Not everyone knows that SAA stands for "same as above." (A BIG "thank you" to Travis C. at T. Rowe Price for working through an issue caused three years ago by their customer service deparment.)
3. Those people who you think will never get divorced are usually the ones who do.
4. Getting into private school is probably harder than getting into college.
5. A Christmas Cow is perfect for showing your holiday spirit.
6. If you're not really, really, REALLY careful you can accidentally change to your Facebook profile without even knowing it.
7. Bluetooth technology is almost as good as me being able to start my car without a key.
8. That too many young children do not believe in Santa.
9. That I'm still addicted to SRAMBLE on Facebook.
What did you learn this week?
1. It is possible to sit in the pouring rain and still enjoy a football game (however your hotdog will get rather soggy).
2. Not everyone knows that SAA stands for "same as above." (A BIG "thank you" to Travis C. at T. Rowe Price for working through an issue caused three years ago by their customer service deparment.)
3. Those people who you think will never get divorced are usually the ones who do.
4. Getting into private school is probably harder than getting into college.
5. A Christmas Cow is perfect for showing your holiday spirit.
6. If you're not really, really, REALLY careful you can accidentally change to your Facebook profile without even knowing it.
7. Bluetooth technology is almost as good as me being able to start my car without a key.
8. That too many young children do not believe in Santa.
9. That I'm still addicted to SRAMBLE on Facebook.
What did you learn this week?
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Coming out of the Dark Ages
I finally did it. I finally installed a Bluetooth adapter for my mobile phone in my car and now can talk hands-free. I'm no techno-freak that has to get every new gadget that comes along but, oh my goodness, clearly I've been missing out. I had the thing installed for maybe 30 seconds and decided it's something that no woman (or man for that matter) should be without.
While the feature is absolutely marvelous it did take three people to install something that I should've been able to do in my drive-way. No matter, though. I was up-and-running in about 10 minutes. A few blinky lights later and my car was installed with the entire contents of my mobile phone and I was chatting away. Gives you goosebumps, doesn't it.
OK, maybe goosebumps is going far BUT I'm on my phone all....the....time. And, as a real estate licensed in Washington DC where the city council has gone haywire and instituted a $200 fine while talking on a mobile phone (no joke -- my mother got one), the Bluetooth feature is like an early Christmas present straight from the Heavens.
(Lightening flash -- I can write the cost of the adapter off for business!!!!! It just keeps getting better!)
Now...if only I could get my car to pay my phone bill.
While the feature is absolutely marvelous it did take three people to install something that I should've been able to do in my drive-way. No matter, though. I was up-and-running in about 10 minutes. A few blinky lights later and my car was installed with the entire contents of my mobile phone and I was chatting away. Gives you goosebumps, doesn't it.
OK, maybe goosebumps is going far BUT I'm on my phone all....the....time. And, as a real estate licensed in Washington DC where the city council has gone haywire and instituted a $200 fine while talking on a mobile phone (no joke -- my mother got one), the Bluetooth feature is like an early Christmas present straight from the Heavens.
(Lightening flash -- I can write the cost of the adapter off for business!!!!! It just keeps getting better!)
Now...if only I could get my car to pay my phone bill.
Friday, November 7, 2008
What I've Learned This Week
So glad it's Friday. Here's what I learned:
- If you vote you can get a whole meal for free.
- I've missed getting my shipments from the Olive Oil of the Month Club.
- It is possible to get trampled by a buck in my own backyard. (May rutt-season end soon.)
- As much as I try I can't get over the fact that Andrea Mitchell looks like "The Joker."
- Kate Spade has a new orange handbag that I simply cannot live without.
What have you learned?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Poop: My dog's favorite food
Is it me or am I the only one who has a dog that likes to eat whatever comes out of its or another animal's booty? Seriously. How gross is that? It's not like I buy cheap food. Au contraire...I actually spend a lot of money on food, treats, chewy toys, etc. No matter, though. It's as if there's a buffet full of crap strewn about the protected area behind my house and my dogs are the first in line.
And that's not the worse of it. Not only do I get to see remnants of poop in their teeth, I get another viewing after they've vomited all over the carpet. I've had to buy a "Spot-Bot," which I don't even store away because it seems to be in constant use.
My husband and I are at our wits end. We're resorting to spending about $4,ooo to fence in the backyard so critters can't in and my beasts can't get out. If anyone has a less expensive alternative I'd love to hear about it.
Aaaahhhh...for the love of dogs.
And that's not the worse of it. Not only do I get to see remnants of poop in their teeth, I get another viewing after they've vomited all over the carpet. I've had to buy a "Spot-Bot," which I don't even store away because it seems to be in constant use.
My husband and I are at our wits end. We're resorting to spending about $4,ooo to fence in the backyard so critters can't in and my beasts can't get out. If anyone has a less expensive alternative I'd love to hear about it.
Aaaahhhh...for the love of dogs.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Service with a Smile
We're in a challenging economy. People are spending less but wanting more. Merchants and business people are clamoring for the few dollars that are being spent. So why then do some people still give crappy service? Moreoever, why do consumers stand for it? If you're being treated poorly, walk away, change your account, or tell a manager. Whatever you do, do something!
I'm a REALTOR with W.C. & A.N. Miller and have been helping people buy and sell homes for five years. I LOVE it! Time and time again I hear clients say they didn't like their previous agent. The reasons vary: poor communication, tried to rush the purchase, pressure to spend more than a budget allowed, etc. Yet, some of these same unhappy clients still let the sub-par agent represent them in one of the biggest transactions of the person's life. How crazy is that?!?
No. 1 rule in real estate -- yes....you can "fire" your agent. If your expectations are not being met, then move on. Real estate agents are a dime a dozen. Stand on any street corner in Washington DC and you'll trip over six. On the flip side, there are wonderful agents (me!) who want and appreciate your business, will work for it, and make the transaction smooth and stress free.
Last week I flew United Airlines back from London. Over the years I've logged nearly 400,000 miles with the airline. While many people have flown more, I certainly expect a little courtesy when I check in for a flight. (For that matter, I'd expect common courtesy even if it were my first trip.) To make a long story short, the gate agent was a b*&%^* -- and that's putting it mildly. Perhaps she didn't have her tea and crumpets that morning. Perhaps her panties were in a bind. Whatever it was she didn't have to be rude. So, in my sweetest voice, I reminded her of that fact.
Ever have a meal that was completely wrong or cooked the way it wasn't ordered? Not wanting to upset the apple cart, some people will just sit there and eat it -- and then tip the wait-staff when the check comes! Not me. Yes, I know the stories of what can happen when you send a meal back, but I'm willing to take my chances. My goodness. If my hard earned dollars are going to pay for the meal, it certainly better be right. Would you buy a pair of shoes that didn't fit just because you didn't want to bother the store clerk to get you a pair that fit your feet better?
Listen ladies (and gents), take a stand against bad customer service by now allowing it to happen. If you encounter a rude person or someone who is not meeting your expectations, be assertive and move on to that company's competitors. Believe me, there are people who want...and appreciate...your business. Perhaps together we can weed out all the bad apples and have a much better experience.
I'm a REALTOR with W.C. & A.N. Miller and have been helping people buy and sell homes for five years. I LOVE it! Time and time again I hear clients say they didn't like their previous agent. The reasons vary: poor communication, tried to rush the purchase, pressure to spend more than a budget allowed, etc. Yet, some of these same unhappy clients still let the sub-par agent represent them in one of the biggest transactions of the person's life. How crazy is that?!?
No. 1 rule in real estate -- yes....you can "fire" your agent. If your expectations are not being met, then move on. Real estate agents are a dime a dozen. Stand on any street corner in Washington DC and you'll trip over six. On the flip side, there are wonderful agents (me!) who want and appreciate your business, will work for it, and make the transaction smooth and stress free.
Last week I flew United Airlines back from London. Over the years I've logged nearly 400,000 miles with the airline. While many people have flown more, I certainly expect a little courtesy when I check in for a flight. (For that matter, I'd expect common courtesy even if it were my first trip.) To make a long story short, the gate agent was a b*&%^* -- and that's putting it mildly. Perhaps she didn't have her tea and crumpets that morning. Perhaps her panties were in a bind. Whatever it was she didn't have to be rude. So, in my sweetest voice, I reminded her of that fact.
Ever have a meal that was completely wrong or cooked the way it wasn't ordered? Not wanting to upset the apple cart, some people will just sit there and eat it -- and then tip the wait-staff when the check comes! Not me. Yes, I know the stories of what can happen when you send a meal back, but I'm willing to take my chances. My goodness. If my hard earned dollars are going to pay for the meal, it certainly better be right. Would you buy a pair of shoes that didn't fit just because you didn't want to bother the store clerk to get you a pair that fit your feet better?
Listen ladies (and gents), take a stand against bad customer service by now allowing it to happen. If you encounter a rude person or someone who is not meeting your expectations, be assertive and move on to that company's competitors. Believe me, there are people who want...and appreciate...your business. Perhaps together we can weed out all the bad apples and have a much better experience.
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