May 2008
Total chaos unleashed
05/30/08 11:32 Filed in: Family &
Friends | Medical
Sorry I've been so slow to post lately. I have just
been incredibly busy trying to get things squared
away before starting intern year in just a few weeks.
Plus, there's that small matter of graduation, which
I have barely thought about and is just around the
corner. Frankly, I'm not much for ceremonies, and
I've got so many things going on right now that it is
at the bottom of my list of things to worry about.
Although I guess I should figure out the whole
gown/rehearsal/schedule stuff before I forget.
To make things even more complicated (and what has really been tying up all my time) is that we are now thinking about buying a home. Despite all the media about home prices plummeting, it's a fantastic time for us to consider buying. Around here, homes usually get dozens of bids (and most get more than asking price) but now, there are fewer bidders for the same number of homes, so we have a chance at a reasonable price. And interestingly, home prices have not decreased in this part of California (they just haven't been increasing as much as they usually do). Prices around here are crazy, really crazy. Imagine "crazy" and then at least double that price, maybe triple that price. That's how much you'd pay for an old, dinky house around here. We can't afford a detached, single-family house (and if we don't get in the market soon, we may never be able to), so we are looking at townhomes and condominiums. Is it worth living here? Who knows, but we're at least stuck here for a few more years and it's not smart for us to keep throwing away money into renting (especially if we can try to buy), not to mention take advantage of the tax shelter we'd be getting.
With my older son starting kindergarten next year (we think), we're trying to figure out which school district we'd like to live in so we won't have to move too much and he can make longtime friends. The problem is that the school systems are very complex (not to mention oversubscribed and underfunded) and for the first time, we are actually considering private school as an option (which is totally not something we ever thought we'd do). But I can totally see why people send their kids to private school now. And I'll write more later about all this. I've literally gone from zero to at least 80% in terms of researching homes, schools, and the tax code in the last week. My brains hurts from all the number crunching and decision-making, but I think it'll be worth it. It might be a whirlwind in the next few months, but nothing we're not used to by now. Thank goodness I have these few weeks to work this out.
So between trying to make decisions about schools and whether or not to purchase (we've never owned a property before), there's that other little matter regarding financing. Apparently it is quite difficult to get a loan nowadays (there are unique loans for physicians that we are looking into, but they of course have higher rates), and of course we don't have much equity or fluid assets at the moment. But at least we can probably qualify for a physician loan. Otherwise, how do you tell a bank Um, we don't have much for a down, and we don't have any assets - in fact, we have hundreds of thousands of dollars of school loans, but please loan us several hundreds of thousands of dollars. With this physician loan (low/no down, no PMI, up to $1 million), we will have massive monthly payments for the first little while, but once we build up some equity, we can refinance and bring that down. And if we sit tight and don't move for a few years (which I'd love - student life has resulted in five moves in the last five years, four with at least one child), we'll have a nice springboard to purchase the next home (which would otherwise be impossible).
It's all very crazy right now, and it's going to be even crazier once I start (I'll be sure to post about moving in the middle of my intern year). Nothing has been set in stone yet, but I am chin deep in the middle of the chaos right now and will be sure to update once it's a bit less crazy.
To make things even more complicated (and what has really been tying up all my time) is that we are now thinking about buying a home. Despite all the media about home prices plummeting, it's a fantastic time for us to consider buying. Around here, homes usually get dozens of bids (and most get more than asking price) but now, there are fewer bidders for the same number of homes, so we have a chance at a reasonable price. And interestingly, home prices have not decreased in this part of California (they just haven't been increasing as much as they usually do). Prices around here are crazy, really crazy. Imagine "crazy" and then at least double that price, maybe triple that price. That's how much you'd pay for an old, dinky house around here. We can't afford a detached, single-family house (and if we don't get in the market soon, we may never be able to), so we are looking at townhomes and condominiums. Is it worth living here? Who knows, but we're at least stuck here for a few more years and it's not smart for us to keep throwing away money into renting (especially if we can try to buy), not to mention take advantage of the tax shelter we'd be getting.
With my older son starting kindergarten next year (we think), we're trying to figure out which school district we'd like to live in so we won't have to move too much and he can make longtime friends. The problem is that the school systems are very complex (not to mention oversubscribed and underfunded) and for the first time, we are actually considering private school as an option (which is totally not something we ever thought we'd do). But I can totally see why people send their kids to private school now. And I'll write more later about all this. I've literally gone from zero to at least 80% in terms of researching homes, schools, and the tax code in the last week. My brains hurts from all the number crunching and decision-making, but I think it'll be worth it. It might be a whirlwind in the next few months, but nothing we're not used to by now. Thank goodness I have these few weeks to work this out.
So between trying to make decisions about schools and whether or not to purchase (we've never owned a property before), there's that other little matter regarding financing. Apparently it is quite difficult to get a loan nowadays (there are unique loans for physicians that we are looking into, but they of course have higher rates), and of course we don't have much equity or fluid assets at the moment. But at least we can probably qualify for a physician loan. Otherwise, how do you tell a bank Um, we don't have much for a down, and we don't have any assets - in fact, we have hundreds of thousands of dollars of school loans, but please loan us several hundreds of thousands of dollars. With this physician loan (low/no down, no PMI, up to $1 million), we will have massive monthly payments for the first little while, but once we build up some equity, we can refinance and bring that down. And if we sit tight and don't move for a few years (which I'd love - student life has resulted in five moves in the last five years, four with at least one child), we'll have a nice springboard to purchase the next home (which would otherwise be impossible).
It's all very crazy right now, and it's going to be even crazier once I start (I'll be sure to post about moving in the middle of my intern year). Nothing has been set in stone yet, but I am chin deep in the middle of the chaos right now and will be sure to update once it's a bit less crazy.
|
Three years ago today
05/30/08 11:11 Filed in: Family &
Friends
Sometimes it's hard to find a photo that was taken
exactly one, two or three years ago. Believe it or
not, there were many days where we didn't take any
photos. People always remark at how we have so many
pictures of the kids. While it's a total pain to
carry around the camera, I wouldn't trade anything
(except maybe to go back in time) for all the
wonderful shots of the boys we have.
Reminder: May promotions expiring soon
05/29/08 13:08 Filed in: Shopping &
Bargains
If you wanted to take advantage of the Amazon
promotions for May, you've got until tomorrow to
order.
See my posts about: Aveeno and Lubriderm products and Horizon milk and Pampers.
See my posts about: Aveeno and Lubriderm products and Horizon milk and Pampers.
Choosing my medical specialty (continued)
05/29/08 04:48 Filed in: Medical
If you missed the previous sections, you can read the
whole thing here.
Figuring I just needed to dive in and try something, I decided to take a stab (no pun intended) at the world of surgery. As a pre-clinical medical student, I never really heard many positive things about surgery – the field is widely portrayed in a very negative way. Read more
Figuring I just needed to dive in and try something, I decided to take a stab (no pun intended) at the world of surgery. As a pre-clinical medical student, I never really heard many positive things about surgery – the field is widely portrayed in a very negative way. Read more
Ecco Alligator sandals for $24
05/28/08 04:57 Filed in: Shopping &
Bargains
As sandals go, I think they are fairly pricey even after the discount, but those of you who are familiar with the brand will recognize that this is a great price. My husband's shoe collection is slowly being replaced by only Ecco shoes - they are extremely comfortable shoes. I think they are pretty cute and am pretty sure the boys will like them as well.
Don't forget to check out their sale of the day, which tends to sell out pretty quickly.
Free shipping code for Gap, Inc.
05/28/08 03:38 Filed in: Shopping &
Bargains
The other day, I posted
about Gap Inc. and their newly revamped shopping site,
where you have one shopping bag and a flat $7
shipping fee. 
Through May 31, use code 1CHECKOUT for free shipping on your order.
Through May 31, use code 1CHECKOUT for free shipping on your order.
Children's Place promotions
05/25/08 00:53 Filed in: Shopping &
Bargains
Current offers:
$5 flat rate standard shipping on all orders
Spring sale - take an additional 50% off select items
15% off all orders with code S2A58 through 6/1/08
Mix and match tees, tanks and shorts (3 for $15)
Shorts starting at 2 for $15
$5 off $25 printable coupon at Babies R Us
05/23/08 07:38 Filed in: Shopping &
Bargains
Every little bit helps
05/22/08 15:57 Filed in: Family &
Friends
Every little bit helps. That's what I tell myself
when I am feeling particularly helpless when it comes
to all the worldwide suffering we hear about.
Sometimes it's just downright overwhelming because
there are so many people who are in need of help. I
started this post a while ago, but have just now
gotten around to finishing it. Partly because I have
been so busy, and partly because I've been avoiding
writing about such a sad topic. The recent natural
disasters in Burma and China have affected everyone I
know. It is just so tragic.
I don't know if I pondered these events as much as I do now (probably not) but it breaks my heart to hear about all the parents who are waiting by toppled school buildings to find their child. Hoping for a miracle, and if not, finding a way to have some closure - when, in reality, I don't think any parent ever really gets over the death of a child (they just learn to cope as best as they can).
As for Burma, I've avoided posting about it because I haven't really wanted to stop to think about it too much. It's just so sad. As I've mentioned before, my family is from Burma. Entire villages in Burma have disappeared. People aren't getting the help they need and the available assistance is very slow and often inappropriate. I've stopped asking my folks if they've gotten through to family on the phone because I think the communication system there is a disaster right now. I think the cities where most of our family were relatively spared (they had big storms and some buildings were damaged, but not to the extent that you see on the news).
After having visited once, I immediately saw how peace-loving the Burmese people are. Despite having their rights constantly denied by the ruling government, they manage to (in my opinion) overlook the unfairness of it all and make do with what they have. People tend not to be very aggressive (passive, some would say) and hardly ever complain, even though they have plenty of reasons to. There's a mentality of enduring the hardship because that is all they have. It's pretty unfair and a situation like that anywhere else would not be tolerated (people here get angry when we have to wait too long in line at the supermarket). It's just not fair.
I often think that I haven't changed that much after having children. But something that has obviously changed a lot is how I feel when I imagine putting myself into the shoes of other parents who are living a total nightmare. Whether it be while rotating through the children's hospital or hearing about the loss of a child through the media, it always floors me whenever I imagine how horrifying an experience it must be for a parent to lose a child. I have often told people that I just don't know how parents who have suffered such losses make it through each day, because I don't think I could handle it. Just the mere thought of anything happening to my kids forms a lump in my throat and brings tears to my eyes.
In any case, the wheels have been spinning in my head about how I'd like to (at least start) helping those in need. I am finally approaching a time in my life where I can afford to contribute financially, however small (earning a meager income still beats building debt every year). Never mind that our combined school loan burden is equal to twice the average home cost in the United States. Relative to many people, we're living very comfortably. And we'd like to try to help.
I'm going to start by donating 100% of the profit generated from this site to a particular charity that will change every few months (I'd make it more structured, but am afraid my schedule might make it too hard to do so). We will also make direct donations on our own. I would love to be able to match contributions in the future - we just aren't quite able to do so at the moment.
I've chosen Unicef's cyclone relief efforts in Burma as the first charity. Please consider donating directly using the button below, or consider shopping through the Shopping Resource page. Whether it be $1 or $1000, every little bit helps. Or, shop for textbooks, toys, clothes or whatever - just click through the appropriate links, and you'll be contributing a small but essential amount to help those in need. I don't plan on browbeating everyone to donate (it's a personal decision and depends on your own situation), so the only times I'll post about this is to let you know when we've switched to another charity. And also to give you occasional updates about how much we've raised.
Thanks for reading this lengthy post and take care.
-msm
I don't know if I pondered these events as much as I do now (probably not) but it breaks my heart to hear about all the parents who are waiting by toppled school buildings to find their child. Hoping for a miracle, and if not, finding a way to have some closure - when, in reality, I don't think any parent ever really gets over the death of a child (they just learn to cope as best as they can).
As for Burma, I've avoided posting about it because I haven't really wanted to stop to think about it too much. It's just so sad. As I've mentioned before, my family is from Burma. Entire villages in Burma have disappeared. People aren't getting the help they need and the available assistance is very slow and often inappropriate. I've stopped asking my folks if they've gotten through to family on the phone because I think the communication system there is a disaster right now. I think the cities where most of our family were relatively spared (they had big storms and some buildings were damaged, but not to the extent that you see on the news).
After having visited once, I immediately saw how peace-loving the Burmese people are. Despite having their rights constantly denied by the ruling government, they manage to (in my opinion) overlook the unfairness of it all and make do with what they have. People tend not to be very aggressive (passive, some would say) and hardly ever complain, even though they have plenty of reasons to. There's a mentality of enduring the hardship because that is all they have. It's pretty unfair and a situation like that anywhere else would not be tolerated (people here get angry when we have to wait too long in line at the supermarket). It's just not fair.
I often think that I haven't changed that much after having children. But something that has obviously changed a lot is how I feel when I imagine putting myself into the shoes of other parents who are living a total nightmare. Whether it be while rotating through the children's hospital or hearing about the loss of a child through the media, it always floors me whenever I imagine how horrifying an experience it must be for a parent to lose a child. I have often told people that I just don't know how parents who have suffered such losses make it through each day, because I don't think I could handle it. Just the mere thought of anything happening to my kids forms a lump in my throat and brings tears to my eyes.
In any case, the wheels have been spinning in my head about how I'd like to (at least start) helping those in need. I am finally approaching a time in my life where I can afford to contribute financially, however small (earning a meager income still beats building debt every year). Never mind that our combined school loan burden is equal to twice the average home cost in the United States. Relative to many people, we're living very comfortably. And we'd like to try to help.
I'm going to start by donating 100% of the profit generated from this site to a particular charity that will change every few months (I'd make it more structured, but am afraid my schedule might make it too hard to do so). We will also make direct donations on our own. I would love to be able to match contributions in the future - we just aren't quite able to do so at the moment.
I've chosen Unicef's cyclone relief efforts in Burma as the first charity. Please consider donating directly using the button below, or consider shopping through the Shopping Resource page. Whether it be $1 or $1000, every little bit helps. Or, shop for textbooks, toys, clothes or whatever - just click through the appropriate links, and you'll be contributing a small but essential amount to help those in need. I don't plan on browbeating everyone to donate (it's a personal decision and depends on your own situation), so the only times I'll post about this is to let you know when we've switched to another charity. And also to give you occasional updates about how much we've raised.
Thanks for reading this lengthy post and take care.
-msm
New Gap shopping - 4 stores in one place
05/21/08 14:45 Filed in: Shopping &
Bargains
Gap Inc. just launched their newly revamped shopping site.
You can now shop at Gap, Old Navy, Banana
Republic, and Piperlime at the same place by
using tabs. The best part is that you only need
one shopping bag and one flat shipping price of
$7 (if you only buy Piperlime products, shipping
is free).
Pretty cool - saves time and shipping fees. I like it.
Pretty cool - saves time and shipping fees. I like it.
Pixar special edition DVDs on sale at Amazon.com
05/21/08 13:01 Filed in: Shopping &
Bargains
Amazon.com has Pixar Collector's and Special Edition
2-disk DVD sets on sale for under $13 each. This is a
great deal. I am completing our collection
right now (my husband and I have seen them all, but
the kids haven't). They also make great gifts. The
boys really love "Cars" and "Finding Nemo," so I am
sure they'll love the rest of them. We'll have plenty
of options on those rainy days.
Click on the images below to be linked to the Amazon product pages.
Click on the images below to be linked to the Amazon product pages.
I wear my sunglasses at... the dentist
05/21/08 07:59 Filed in: Family &
Friends
Times I wish I had a camera in my eye
05/19/08 10:59 Filed in: Family &
Friends
Not long after our first baby was born, my husband
remarked to me how he wished he had a camera in his
eye. We laughed about it, but there have been many
times I've felt that way. Pretty much on a daily
basis now that I think about it. That's why we don't
hesitate to pull out the camera, even though
it's quite bulky to carry around.
For example, several weeks ago when I picked up the boys from daycare, my toddler had some confetti streamers stuck to the bottom of his shoes (they were inside all day because of rain, and it looked like a birthday party had exploded in their room). His brother thought this was hilarious, and started trying to grab them. This started a game of chase, with my toddler running down the sidewalk with confetti streamers flapping in the wind behind him, like tassels on bike handlebars, except on his shoes. It was a really funny moment I wish I could have captured on film.
Another time, while my husband was getting the bath ready, my toddler wandered into the kitchen (I usually prepare dinner during their baths). He only had his diaper on, and was fascinated by the fridge, which I had just opened. He held open the door with one hand, and I guess he must've been itchy, because he started scratching his bottom with his other hand, pushing down his diaper and partially mooning me in the process. It was a total stereotypical construction worker/plumber moment that would have been awesome on film.
Here's a photo series of the boys playing with their box of various musical instruments.
Not quite right:
Now you've got it!
Tasty drumstick?
Almost looks like he's reading music, doesn't it?
For example, several weeks ago when I picked up the boys from daycare, my toddler had some confetti streamers stuck to the bottom of his shoes (they were inside all day because of rain, and it looked like a birthday party had exploded in their room). His brother thought this was hilarious, and started trying to grab them. This started a game of chase, with my toddler running down the sidewalk with confetti streamers flapping in the wind behind him, like tassels on bike handlebars, except on his shoes. It was a really funny moment I wish I could have captured on film.
Another time, while my husband was getting the bath ready, my toddler wandered into the kitchen (I usually prepare dinner during their baths). He only had his diaper on, and was fascinated by the fridge, which I had just opened. He held open the door with one hand, and I guess he must've been itchy, because he started scratching his bottom with his other hand, pushing down his diaper and partially mooning me in the process. It was a total stereotypical construction worker/plumber moment that would have been awesome on film.
Here's a photo series of the boys playing with their box of various musical instruments.
Not quite right:
Now you've got it!
Tasty drumstick?
Almost looks like he's reading music, doesn't it?
Watching ducks
05/18/08 14:57 Filed in: Family &
Friends
Choosing my medical specialty (continued)
05/17/08 04:27 Filed in: Medical
Here's the next section I wrote about how I ended up
choosing my medical specialty (I'll get to the end
soon):
As part of my neuroendocrine research, I learned how to do some stereotactic microsurgery (brain and vascular), which I loved. It was very calming to spend a whole afternoon performing these surgeries, and I really enjoyed trying to come up with ways to improve the procedures and help with recovery of my tiny rodent patients. Read more
As part of my neuroendocrine research, I learned how to do some stereotactic microsurgery (brain and vascular), which I loved. It was very calming to spend a whole afternoon performing these surgeries, and I really enjoyed trying to come up with ways to improve the procedures and help with recovery of my tiny rodent patients. Read more
No way
05/15/08 14:46 Filed in: Medical
Last week, I went to the Occupational Health office
at the hospital I will be starting at for residency,
in order to complete my pre-hire physical (asked my
height and weight, checked my vision and blood
pressure), and get blood drawn for tuberculosis
testing. I called back to see if the results were
back so I could have them sign off on my checklist,
and this is what happened:
Me: Hi, I wanted to check on my lab results for my new-resident physical and TB lab test.
Nurse: Um, hold on a sec.
Me: Okay.
Nurse: Oh, did the lab call you?
Me: No.
Nurse: Oh, they didn't? Well, we do not have the results of the test because the tube broke. You need to come in and have blood drawn again.
Me: You're kidding me!
Nurse: No, I'm sorry I am not. The lab should have called you. Please come in Monday through Thursday...
Me: (interrupting - hey, I was miffed) You're not open tomorrow?
Nurse: No, please come in Monday through Thursday to have it redrawn.
Me: What time can I come in until?
Nurse: 4:30pm.
Well, I better get going. I'll have to hurry if I want to go stand in line to pick up a new lab slip and then head over to the lab again where I will wait another 30 minutes for an available phlebotomist to draw more blood. Boo. What a wasted afternoon.
Me: Hi, I wanted to check on my lab results for my new-resident physical and TB lab test.
Nurse: Um, hold on a sec.
Me: Okay.
Nurse: Oh, did the lab call you?
Me: No.
Nurse: Oh, they didn't? Well, we do not have the results of the test because the tube broke. You need to come in and have blood drawn again.
Me: You're kidding me!
Nurse: No, I'm sorry I am not. The lab should have called you. Please come in Monday through Thursday...
Me: (interrupting - hey, I was miffed) You're not open tomorrow?
Nurse: No, please come in Monday through Thursday to have it redrawn.
Me: What time can I come in until?
Nurse: 4:30pm.
Well, I better get going. I'll have to hurry if I want to go stand in line to pick up a new lab slip and then head over to the lab again where I will wait another 30 minutes for an available phlebotomist to draw more blood. Boo. What a wasted afternoon.
Recommended but not yet reviewed
05/15/08 14:46 Filed in: Shopping &
Bargains | Product
Reviews
There are a bunch of products that we have gotten
that I think are fantastic, fun, totally useful or
all of the above. Of course, I haven't yet finished
the reviews but am working on them (I'm slow, I
know). I've decided to post the product photos and
links for anyone who is interested, and I will be
sure to get those reviews up as soon as I can. In the
meantime, feel free to contact me if you have any
specific questions about any of the products I linked
to.
You can see all the products at the bottom of the Product Reviews page.
You can see all the products at the bottom of the Product Reviews page.
Random Medical Fact #41: Felty syndrome
05/15/08 04:36 Filed in: Medical
Felty syndrome is characterized by the triad of
chronic rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly, and
granulocytopenia. Patients frequently have high
titers of rheumatoid factor, and may also have
subcutaneous nodules.
Although many patients are asymptomatic, some develop serious and life-threatening infections secondary to granulocytopenia.
Although many patients are asymptomatic, some develop serious and life-threatening infections secondary to granulocytopenia.
Step 3 will have to wait
05/15/08 04:36 Filed in: Medical
I had plans to see if I could take USMLE Step 3
before starting residency. It turns out that you have
to have graduated from medical school before
registering for the exam. In any case, I guess I will
consider taking it during an elective month during
intern year, or (preferably not) during a vacation.
Too bad, since I was hoping to get it over with as
soon as possible (it's taken over two days!).
Frustrated with grapes
05/14/08 01:11 Filed in: Family &
Friends
Book Review: Ready, Set, Brush (a Sesame Street pop-up book)
05/14/08 00:33 Filed in: Product
Reviews | Shopping &
Bargains
Cheap thrill: Bubbles
05/13/08 04:58 Filed in: Family &
Friends
On the last morning of our trip to Hawaii, we wanted
to take it easy with the kids, but at the same time,
let them burn some energy before boarding the plane
for the flight home. This was successfully
accomplished with some inexpensive bubble-blowing
toys we had purchased while we were there.
Despite only costing a few dollars (~$3 each), these things were pretty awesome. Sometimes it can be hard for my kids to adequately blow bubbles with those little wands than come in the bottles of soap solution. Powered with a single AA battery (included with the toy), these blowers provided plenty of energy to blow hundreds of bubbles in a fairly short period of time.
Despite only costing a few dollars (~$3 each), these things were pretty awesome. Sometimes it can be hard for my kids to adequately blow bubbles with those little wands than come in the bottles of soap solution. Powered with a single AA battery (included with the toy), these blowers provided plenty of energy to blow hundreds of bubbles in a fairly short period of time.
Check out the improved Product Reviews page
05/12/08 15:29 Filed in: Product
Reviews
Okay, so I spent way too much time on this -
but I thought the Product Reviews page
was too text-heavy. I added a selection of
product photos and links to hopefully help make
it easier to navigate. Come check it out -
suggestions are always appreciated!
One year ago today (Happy Mother's Day!)
05/11/08 06:00 Filed in: Family &
Friends
Shopping promotions
05/11/08 01:46 Filed in: Shopping &
Bargains
Aveeno and Lubriderm promotion at Amazon.com
05/11/08 01:42 Filed in: Shopping &
Bargains
Shoes.com Saturday sale
05/10/08 01:26 Filed in: Shopping &
Bargains
They hold this sale once a month, and carry brands
that my other online shoe source does
not. It runs from 5am to midnight PST. I'm
planning on picking up some sneakers for my
active preschooler (nowadays, he doesn't outgrow
them before they get worn out).
They also have another promotion going on right now (I'm pretty sure they can be used with the Saturday sale):
Use coupon code MAY50 to get $5 off any order of $50 or more while MAY100 will save $20 off any order of $100 or more (expires May 15, 2008).
You can always find more sales and coupons on my Shopping Resources page. Thanks for supporting my site!
They also have another promotion going on right now (I'm pretty sure they can be used with the Saturday sale):
Use coupon code MAY50 to get $5 off any order of $50 or more while MAY100 will save $20 off any order of $100 or more (expires May 15, 2008).
You can always find more sales and coupons on my Shopping Resources page. Thanks for supporting my site!
You guessed it - sofa jumping in Hawaii
05/10/08 00:42 Filed in: Family &
Friends
We retreated to the comfort of air-conditioning (plus I think the boys were due for a nap, although I can't quite remember if that ever happened). They spent a decent amount of time leaping off the sofa while I put together a quick snack, and we were all very entertained by this particular activity.
Every time they jumped, my heart would skip a beat because they just kept getting braver and jumping higher and farther. Fortunately, they never jumped on top of each other, or at the same time. Otherwise we would have had some bumped heads for sure.
Just look at how happy they are.
Anticipating the jump:
Look at that height!
They could have done this for hours.
This time, with the towel:
May promotions at Amazon.com
05/08/08 14:54 Filed in: Family &
Friends
Here are two Amazon promotions I just took advantage
of:
Save 20% after an instant rebate when you buy eligible Horizon Organic Milk offered by Amazon.com. Use the code HORIZONN. Offer valid through May 31, 2008. This offer may be combined with Subscribe & Save, an additional savings of 15%. See site for details and restrictions.
Also, get a promotional certificate good for $20 off a future purchase when you spend $99 on select Pampers (and Luvs) products offered by Amazon.com, through May 31, 2008. See site for rules and restrictions.
I like having the plain milk boxes handy for when we go out on the weekends, and I'm too lazy to pack sippy cups. I keep a few boxes in the fridge, but it's nice that they don't need to be refrigerated. As for diapers, well, we're using half as many now (hooray for being potty trained!), but I know we'll still need at least three more boxes. And now that the prices have increased, any discount is appreciated.
Save 20% after an instant rebate when you buy eligible Horizon Organic Milk offered by Amazon.com. Use the code HORIZONN. Offer valid through May 31, 2008. This offer may be combined with Subscribe & Save, an additional savings of 15%. See site for details and restrictions.
Also, get a promotional certificate good for $20 off a future purchase when you spend $99 on select Pampers (and Luvs) products offered by Amazon.com, through May 31, 2008. See site for rules and restrictions.
I like having the plain milk boxes handy for when we go out on the weekends, and I'm too lazy to pack sippy cups. I keep a few boxes in the fridge, but it's nice that they don't need to be refrigerated. As for diapers, well, we're using half as many now (hooray for being potty trained!), but I know we'll still need at least three more boxes. And now that the prices have increased, any discount is appreciated.
Stamp Out Hunger food drive
05/08/08 14:15 Filed in: Family &
Friends
I know I've done my fair share of over-ambitious food planning (and buying a few too many cans of diced tomatoes from Costco in anticipation of making tons of homemade meals). The letter carrier is making it easy for me to donate by coming by to pick up the food. How much simpler could it be? If you've got food at home that you don't think you'll get to anytime soon, consider contributing. It's a easy way to help those in need (too bad they can't bring it to Burma). I'm all for recycling and reusing things that still have good mileage in them (it's just hard to lug everything to the donation centers sometimes). So this is perfect for me.
Here's the scoop:
On Saturday May 10th, letter carriers in more than 10,000 communities will collect food items and deliver them to local food banks to help some of the millions of Americans, including an estimated 13 million children, who face hunger every day.
Since 1993, families have donated more than a half-billion pounds of food to Stamp Out Hunger. You can help make this year our most successful ever. Simply place bags filled with nonperishable food items like canned meats and fish, canned soup, juice, pasta, vegetables, cereal and rice next to your mailbox on Saturday, May 10th. Your letter carrier will pick up the bags and deliver them to your local food bank. Please do not include out-of-date items or those in glass containers.
Make it easy and fill your bags now and place it near your front door so you don't forget.