"I fell asleep while Uncle Walt was holding me"
"Nap time in my Pack N Play"
"I'm so cute, and everyone knows it!"
"I missed you so much, Mommy, and I'm very happy to see you!"
I MOVED!
7 years ago
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Silly Saturday: The Hide and Seek Cat
I forget where I saw this, but it's awesome! That cat is so silly, and so cute!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Feel Good Friday: "Forever" - Chris Brown Wedding Entrance
Sue posted this link on her FB (when she had an active FB account), and watching this made me smile. I showed it to my hubby, who was also watching it with a smile. So pretty much anything that makes you smile, also makes you feel good. Therefore, this qualifies as a post for my Feel Good Friday Blog. Expect more :)
Did you smile? :)
My guests would have killed us if we gave them an entrance like that! Our wedding was in a stone church building with no air conditioning at the end of June. It was really hot and humid. Not only would our guests have killed us, but I think everyone in our wedding party would have killed us, too, b/c they would be sweating like crazy! And who wants to get married smelling body odor the entire service? :)
Did you smile? :)
My guests would have killed us if we gave them an entrance like that! Our wedding was in a stone church building with no air conditioning at the end of June. It was really hot and humid. Not only would our guests have killed us, but I think everyone in our wedding party would have killed us, too, b/c they would be sweating like crazy! And who wants to get married smelling body odor the entire service? :)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Being a woman seriously sux
*Warning: This is a seriously detailed blog, which may be too detailed for men (read as: you've been warned, so stop now), but women will understand. And if you're a woman who is embarrassed, disgusted, etc. about discussing the biology of periods, you'll want to stop too....* Scroll down to read more if you dare.
Men really don't understand what women go thru when it's that time of the month. Seriously. I am feeling sick right now. I have my period. Which means that I have clots that drop pretty much every time I go from a sitting to standing position. So everytime I have to get up to do something, I have to waddle to the bathroom, or have to change clothes. It seriously sux. And on top of that issue, my intestines go on strike as well at this time of the month. So I have to run for the bathroom for clots, and major diarheal (word/spelling?) type problems.
So of course I get my period and all of the problems that go with it at the beginning of a snow storm. Fine. Whatever. But then I'm supposed to have my washer/dryer delivered/installed tomorrow. Which means that I have to shovel out the back yard and driveway so they can get through it (b/c that's what the instructions say needs to be done). Not to mention, I will have to constantly check on Galina while running to the bathroom. I ask the hubby to take off work tomorrow so he can help me out with this, and he refuses! He says he'll get up half an hour earlier to shovel a path. He doesn't understand why I need for him to take off.
First off, a path isn't what needs to be done. The whole yard will need to be done. Can you imagine trying to carry a washer and dryer down a small path? Plus, I don't know how they plan to do it...will they park in our yard and take it out that way so it's less of a distance they have to carry them? And the driveway leading from our house to the street (b/c that's what the instructions say: "a clear path from the street to the entrance to your house") needs to be done. It will probably still be accumultaing snow after he leaves and I'll still have to shovel that crap, even if he does shovel before he leaves. And who the hell wants to shovel snow when they have their period. Oh yeah, did I mention that I get anemic when I have my period. So yeah, I have to fight the shakes as well.
And I really don't want to be alone in the house by myself and a child. Being on the cautious and dramatic side, who knows what kind of person I'll be letting into my house. I don't know who's coming. A rapist could be coming for all I know. Yes, I know, the odds of that happening are slim to none, but it's not impossible.
It would just be nice if my husband could understand what it's like to be feeling like this when having to deal with the weather and the Sears people.
Thank you for letting me rant.
Men really don't understand what women go thru when it's that time of the month. Seriously. I am feeling sick right now. I have my period. Which means that I have clots that drop pretty much every time I go from a sitting to standing position. So everytime I have to get up to do something, I have to waddle to the bathroom, or have to change clothes. It seriously sux. And on top of that issue, my intestines go on strike as well at this time of the month. So I have to run for the bathroom for clots, and major diarheal (word/spelling?) type problems.
So of course I get my period and all of the problems that go with it at the beginning of a snow storm. Fine. Whatever. But then I'm supposed to have my washer/dryer delivered/installed tomorrow. Which means that I have to shovel out the back yard and driveway so they can get through it (b/c that's what the instructions say needs to be done). Not to mention, I will have to constantly check on Galina while running to the bathroom. I ask the hubby to take off work tomorrow so he can help me out with this, and he refuses! He says he'll get up half an hour earlier to shovel a path. He doesn't understand why I need for him to take off.
First off, a path isn't what needs to be done. The whole yard will need to be done. Can you imagine trying to carry a washer and dryer down a small path? Plus, I don't know how they plan to do it...will they park in our yard and take it out that way so it's less of a distance they have to carry them? And the driveway leading from our house to the street (b/c that's what the instructions say: "a clear path from the street to the entrance to your house") needs to be done. It will probably still be accumultaing snow after he leaves and I'll still have to shovel that crap, even if he does shovel before he leaves. And who the hell wants to shovel snow when they have their period. Oh yeah, did I mention that I get anemic when I have my period. So yeah, I have to fight the shakes as well.
And I really don't want to be alone in the house by myself and a child. Being on the cautious and dramatic side, who knows what kind of person I'll be letting into my house. I don't know who's coming. A rapist could be coming for all I know. Yes, I know, the odds of that happening are slim to none, but it's not impossible.
It would just be nice if my husband could understand what it's like to be feeling like this when having to deal with the weather and the Sears people.
Thank you for letting me rant.
TV Thursday - The Galina Edition
Again, all of my fave tv shows are re-runs this week, so I don't really have anything to comment about. Therefore, I've decided that if there's nothing that inspires me to write, then I will post "Galina's Edition of TV Thursdays".
Note: These will not necessarily be in chronological order. Deal with it :)
Episode 1: Dancing with Daddy
Note: These will not necessarily be in chronological order. Deal with it :)
Episode 1: Dancing with Daddy
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
What If Wednesday
What if you were selected to be in the Olympics - in which event would you compete?
I would probably compete in the Curling event. It reminds me of playing shuffleboard, which is really fun. Also, I don't think that I really need to be in that good of shape to partake in that event. If I were on the Curling team, I would probably be one of the sweepers. I'm not very good with aiming things down a lane (just look at my bowling aim - I used to call myself Gutterball Beben), but I can sweep pretty well :)
What if you were on the game show, Deal or no Deal - what would your strategy be?
I would start by picking whichever case I wanted, and then open up the cases in numerical order - starting from 1. There would be no jumping around for me, which is what almost all of the other contestants do. Also, whether or not I take a deal depends on what the board is like, and how much money it is. More than likely, if I was made an offer of 6 figures, I would probably take it, no matter what my board looked like. I'm not greedy - I need just enough to clear my school loan, and maybe my car loan as well.
Next week's What Ifs...
I would probably compete in the Curling event. It reminds me of playing shuffleboard, which is really fun. Also, I don't think that I really need to be in that good of shape to partake in that event. If I were on the Curling team, I would probably be one of the sweepers. I'm not very good with aiming things down a lane (just look at my bowling aim - I used to call myself Gutterball Beben), but I can sweep pretty well :)
What if you were on the game show, Deal or no Deal - what would your strategy be?
I would start by picking whichever case I wanted, and then open up the cases in numerical order - starting from 1. There would be no jumping around for me, which is what almost all of the other contestants do. Also, whether or not I take a deal depends on what the board is like, and how much money it is. More than likely, if I was made an offer of 6 figures, I would probably take it, no matter what my board looked like. I'm not greedy - I need just enough to clear my school loan, and maybe my car loan as well.
Next week's What Ifs...
- What if you found $20 lying on the ground - what would you do with it?
- What if you could choose your relatives - would you keep the ones you have?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Two Part Tuesday: BRU Response
Part Two: Babies 'R Us Response
(The silence is deafening, isn't it...)
(The silence is deafening, isn't it...)
Two Part Tuesday: BRU Rant
Part One: The Letter
December 26, 2009
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to let you know how very dissatisfied I am with two of your company’s policies. The first is with your rewards program. I think that it is absolutely ridiculous to give only half credit of the purchase price of a product that was purchased on sale/clearance. It makes absolutely no sense. I’m already receiving less credit of the product because I’m buying it at a reduced price. But why should I be penalized by crediting me with only half of the new lower price? Why can’t I receive the entire credit of the item at the sale/clearance price?
The second policy I have a problem with is regarding the Babies R Us bucks. I received $5 from the rewards program and used it on my recent purchase. It was credited to my total by distributing the rewards among all of the items. I then used a manufacturer’s coupon on a set of bottles (original price was $12.99) that I purchased. The coupon was good for “up to $15.99”. When the coupon was rung in, it deducted the new price of the bottles ($11.01) from my total. By deducting the new price of the bottles (as a result of the BRU bucks) instead of deducting the $12.99, I lost $1.98 of my $5 rewards money. If I had the bottles rung up separately from the rest of my purchases, I wouldn’t have lost that $1.98. Why can’t the BRU bucks just be deducted from the total instead of distributed among the items being purchased? That would eliminate that problem. Or, the manufacturer’s coupon could have been used to deduct the original price of the product.
I hope that you will take these issues under consideration for revision. Otherwise, I will seriously consider giving my business to another store that doesn’t have these ridiculous policies. I am currently the mother of a 7 month old girl, and will eventually be the mother of 3-5 children. I would like to continue shopping at Babies R Us because I get almost all of my baby’s products there. However, if I can’t reap all the rewards, then I will go to a store that gives me the rewards that ultimately saves me more money.
Sincerely,
The Crazy World of Shelle
December 26, 2009
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to let you know how very dissatisfied I am with two of your company’s policies. The first is with your rewards program. I think that it is absolutely ridiculous to give only half credit of the purchase price of a product that was purchased on sale/clearance. It makes absolutely no sense. I’m already receiving less credit of the product because I’m buying it at a reduced price. But why should I be penalized by crediting me with only half of the new lower price? Why can’t I receive the entire credit of the item at the sale/clearance price?
The second policy I have a problem with is regarding the Babies R Us bucks. I received $5 from the rewards program and used it on my recent purchase. It was credited to my total by distributing the rewards among all of the items. I then used a manufacturer’s coupon on a set of bottles (original price was $12.99) that I purchased. The coupon was good for “up to $15.99”. When the coupon was rung in, it deducted the new price of the bottles ($11.01) from my total. By deducting the new price of the bottles (as a result of the BRU bucks) instead of deducting the $12.99, I lost $1.98 of my $5 rewards money. If I had the bottles rung up separately from the rest of my purchases, I wouldn’t have lost that $1.98. Why can’t the BRU bucks just be deducted from the total instead of distributed among the items being purchased? That would eliminate that problem. Or, the manufacturer’s coupon could have been used to deduct the original price of the product.
I hope that you will take these issues under consideration for revision. Otherwise, I will seriously consider giving my business to another store that doesn’t have these ridiculous policies. I am currently the mother of a 7 month old girl, and will eventually be the mother of 3-5 children. I would like to continue shopping at Babies R Us because I get almost all of my baby’s products there. However, if I can’t reap all the rewards, then I will go to a store that gives me the rewards that ultimately saves me more money.
Sincerely,
The Crazy World of Shelle
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday Musings: The Revenge of a Jilted Ex-Girlfriend
Every once in a while, I check out the webpage of the guy that broke my heart over 8 years ago. It's simply morbid curiousity. Not so long ago, I checked out his webpage to learn that he is about to get married. And to top it off, his wedding date is 2 days (and 4 years) after my own wedding date. The fact that he is getting married stung at first. He was my first love, and he shattered my heart. A small part of me will always love him, and the good part of that relationship.
Now don't get me wrong. I have absolutely no desire to see or talk to him again. And my husband once asked me that if I were still single, would I ever go back to him. My answer was that if he was the guy from the good part of the relationship, then I probably would have liked the chance. But knowing the kind of person he was at the end of the relationship, there are no second thoughts. There are no doubts in my mind that I married the better guy. I wouldn't trade my Max for all the money in the world, for he truly is a wonderful husband and an awesome father.
Now, on to the revenge...
On his webpage are links to the stores where the bride and groom are registered. The ultimate revenge would be to go and buy all of the things on his registry. Imagine the confusion after the bridal shower, when all of the gifts that were purchased from their registry are nowhere to be found. But what would I do with all of those items that aren't of my taste, and have no use for me? Well, I would return them after the wedding date, of course. While I think it would be amusing, I would never do it. I'm just not that kind of person. And while it would be revenge on my ex, it's also hurting an innocent bystander (well, relatively innocent...). It's not fair to do that to his fiancee.
I hope, for her sake, that he grew up and treats her with love and respect. I hope that he realized how much hurt he caused two girls in his past (he did the same thing to the girl after me) and decided to never again treat someone that way. And in my heart of hearts, I hope that he is happy.
Now don't get me wrong. I have absolutely no desire to see or talk to him again. And my husband once asked me that if I were still single, would I ever go back to him. My answer was that if he was the guy from the good part of the relationship, then I probably would have liked the chance. But knowing the kind of person he was at the end of the relationship, there are no second thoughts. There are no doubts in my mind that I married the better guy. I wouldn't trade my Max for all the money in the world, for he truly is a wonderful husband and an awesome father.
Now, on to the revenge...
On his webpage are links to the stores where the bride and groom are registered. The ultimate revenge would be to go and buy all of the things on his registry. Imagine the confusion after the bridal shower, when all of the gifts that were purchased from their registry are nowhere to be found. But what would I do with all of those items that aren't of my taste, and have no use for me? Well, I would return them after the wedding date, of course. While I think it would be amusing, I would never do it. I'm just not that kind of person. And while it would be revenge on my ex, it's also hurting an innocent bystander (well, relatively innocent...). It's not fair to do that to his fiancee.
I hope, for her sake, that he grew up and treats her with love and respect. I hope that he realized how much hurt he caused two girls in his past (he did the same thing to the girl after me) and decided to never again treat someone that way. And in my heart of hearts, I hope that he is happy.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Silly Saturday
It's been one week since you looked at me
Cocked your head to the side and said "I'm angry"
Five days since you laughed at me saying
"Get that together come back and see me"
Three days since the living room
I realized it's all my fault, but couldn't tell you
Yesterday you'd forgiven me
but it'll still be two days till I say I'm sorry
Hold it now and watch the hoodwink
As I make you stop, think
You'll think you're looking at Aquaman
I summon fish to the dish, although I like the Chalet Swiss
I like the sushi
'cause it's never touched a frying pan
Hot like wasabe when I bust rhymes
Big like LeAnn Rimes
Because I'm all about value
Bert Kaempfert's got the mad hits
You try to match wits, you try to hold me but I bust through
Gonna make a break and take a fake
I'd like a stinkin achin shake
I like vanilla, it's the finest of the flavours
Gotta see the show, cause then you'll know
The vertigo is gonna grow
Cause it's so dangerous,
you'll have to sign a waiver
How can I help it if I think you're funny when you're mad
Trying hard not to smile though I feel bad
I'm the kind of guy who laughs at a funeral
Can't understand what I mean?
Well, you soon will
I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve
I have a history of taking off my shirt
It's been one week since you looked at me
Threw your arms in the air
and said "You're crazy"
Five days since you tackled me
I've still got the rug burns on both my knees
It's been three days since the afternoon
You realized it's not my fault
not a moment too soon
Yesterday you'd forgiven me
And now I sit back and wait til you say you're sorry
Chickity China the Chinese chicken
You have a drumstick and your brain stops tickin'
Watchin' X-Files with no lights on
We're dans la maison
I hope the Smoking Man's in this one
Like Harrison Ford I'm getting frantic
Like Sting I'm tantric
Like Snickers, guaranteed to satisfy
Like Kurasawa I make mad films
Okay, I don't make films
But if I did they'd have a Samurai
Gonna get a set a' better clubs
Gonna find the kind with tiny nubs
Just so my irons aren't always flying off the back-swing
Gotta get in tune with Sailor Moon
'Cause the cartoon has got the boom anime babes
That make me think the wrong thing
How can I help it if I think you're funny when you're mad
Tryin' hard not to smile though I feel bad
I'm the kind of guy who laughs at a funeral
Can't understand what I mean?
Well, you soon will
I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve
I have a history of losing my shirt
It's been one week since you looked at me
Dropped your arms to your sides
and said "I'm sorry"
Five days since I laughed at you and said
"You just did just what I thought you were gonna do"
Three days since the living room
We realized we're both to blame,
but what could we do?
Yesterday you just smiled at me
Cause it'll still be two days till we say we're sorry
It'll still be two days till we say we're sorry
It'll still be two days till we say we're sorry
Birchmount Stadium, home of the Robbie
Now tell me that these lyrics aren't silly :)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Feel Good Friday: Paying It Forward
Not so long ago, I remember a story on the news about this restaurant that had a patron pick up the check (and tip) for another table. The people at the table were so touched, that they decided to return the favor and do the same for another table. This trend continued for several hours. I really can't do the story justice, so please check out the link to get the full impact.
Several years ago, when I was with a bunch of young women on a SWE (Society of Women Engineers) sponsored Ulternative Spring Break Trip (a service-oriented spring break) to Florida, we did something that the first patron did. We were at a drive through fast food restaurant, and for whatever reason, we irritated the people in the car behind us (think along the lines of driving too slow, etc.). Instead of getting upset about being honked at, we decided that we would be nice and pick up their tab. We paid for their check and took off without checking out their reaction. We were all giddy when we left, and maybe, just maybe, they decided to pay it forward.
Another instance of paying it forward, that I did, happened while I was doing a co-op at Community College of Philadelphia. It was my lunch break, and I decided to take a walk to the Wawa down the street and get my lunch there. On my way, I found some change on the sidewalk (about 60 cents in different denominations). I picked it up and put it in my pocket. There were parking meters on the next block, so I scoped out the meters looking for those whose time were about to expire. Someone inadvertently gave me the money, so I payed it forward by inserting some change into as many meters as I could with the 60 cents. With any luck, those people would return the favor for someone else.
Do you have a story about paying it forward? If so, I'd love to hear about it!
Several years ago, when I was with a bunch of young women on a SWE (Society of Women Engineers) sponsored Ulternative Spring Break Trip (a service-oriented spring break) to Florida, we did something that the first patron did. We were at a drive through fast food restaurant, and for whatever reason, we irritated the people in the car behind us (think along the lines of driving too slow, etc.). Instead of getting upset about being honked at, we decided that we would be nice and pick up their tab. We paid for their check and took off without checking out their reaction. We were all giddy when we left, and maybe, just maybe, they decided to pay it forward.
Another instance of paying it forward, that I did, happened while I was doing a co-op at Community College of Philadelphia. It was my lunch break, and I decided to take a walk to the Wawa down the street and get my lunch there. On my way, I found some change on the sidewalk (about 60 cents in different denominations). I picked it up and put it in my pocket. There were parking meters on the next block, so I scoped out the meters looking for those whose time were about to expire. Someone inadvertently gave me the money, so I payed it forward by inserting some change into as many meters as I could with the 60 cents. With any luck, those people would return the favor for someone else.
Do you have a story about paying it forward? If so, I'd love to hear about it!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
TV Thursday
I haven't seen an episode of tv that I feel like commenting on this week (especially since the Olympics are on, and all of my fave tv shows are re-runs as a result). So, instead, I will give you a list of all of my fave shows. And they are, in no particular order:
- House
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
- CSI: Miami
- CSI: NY
- NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service
- NCIS: LA
- Flash Forward (can't wait for it to start its' episodes again in March)
- Survivor
- Fringe
- Project Runway
- Numb3rs
- Bones
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
What If Wednesday
What if you were forced to give up one of your five senses - which one would you give up?
Of the senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste, I would probably give up taste. When you start considering what sense you would give up, you really begin to appreciate all of the senses that you do have.
I wouldn't want to lose my sight, b/c I appreciate the beauty of nature, and I just love watching everything that my little one does. I wouldn't want to lose my hearing, b/c I love listening to music, and I love listening to the babbling and cooing of my 8-month old daughter. I wouldn't want to lose my sense of touch, b/c I have heard about people who have that malady and cannot feel pain - which can lead to extremely serious injuries. I wouldn't want to lose my sense of smell, b/c I love the smell of the flowers in Spring, and look forward to that every year when I plant my annuals.
I wouldn't want to lose my sense of taste either, but it's the one that I would most willingly give up. I love, love, love the taste of food, but that is also a source of distress in my life. If I no longer had the sense of taste, food might not be as appealing to me, and I wouldn't eat quite so much, or quite so much junk food. I could then lose some weight, and feel like the person I want to be. I currently hate shopping for clothes b/c I don't like the way I look in them. It's depressing. And I am currently avoiding my Wii Fit b/c I'm not making any progress toward my goal, and it forces me to admit why. So, while it would suck that I couldn't enjoy food anymore (I would then look forward to the day when our food is given to us in little pills, and then I wouldn't have to worry about shoving food in my mouth that has no taste), I could begin to appreciate the other things in life that do make me happy, that don't cause me distress.
What if your house caught on fire and you could only save one item - what would you save?
Hmmm...there are several things that I would want to save. Obviously, I would save my family, but the question is about an item that I would save. So with that said, I would save my box of photo and scrapbook albums. I can't replace those physical manifestations of my memories. If everything else burned, I could replace those. It's just a matter of money, which the insurance would pay for. And it could be an exciting experience - to buy new things to replace the old ones. I don't really have too many treasured items, just decorative items for my house.
Next week's What Ifs...
Of the senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste, I would probably give up taste. When you start considering what sense you would give up, you really begin to appreciate all of the senses that you do have.
I wouldn't want to lose my sight, b/c I appreciate the beauty of nature, and I just love watching everything that my little one does. I wouldn't want to lose my hearing, b/c I love listening to music, and I love listening to the babbling and cooing of my 8-month old daughter. I wouldn't want to lose my sense of touch, b/c I have heard about people who have that malady and cannot feel pain - which can lead to extremely serious injuries. I wouldn't want to lose my sense of smell, b/c I love the smell of the flowers in Spring, and look forward to that every year when I plant my annuals.
I wouldn't want to lose my sense of taste either, but it's the one that I would most willingly give up. I love, love, love the taste of food, but that is also a source of distress in my life. If I no longer had the sense of taste, food might not be as appealing to me, and I wouldn't eat quite so much, or quite so much junk food. I could then lose some weight, and feel like the person I want to be. I currently hate shopping for clothes b/c I don't like the way I look in them. It's depressing. And I am currently avoiding my Wii Fit b/c I'm not making any progress toward my goal, and it forces me to admit why. So, while it would suck that I couldn't enjoy food anymore (I would then look forward to the day when our food is given to us in little pills, and then I wouldn't have to worry about shoving food in my mouth that has no taste), I could begin to appreciate the other things in life that do make me happy, that don't cause me distress.
Hmmm...there are several things that I would want to save. Obviously, I would save my family, but the question is about an item that I would save. So with that said, I would save my box of photo and scrapbook albums. I can't replace those physical manifestations of my memories. If everything else burned, I could replace those. It's just a matter of money, which the insurance would pay for. And it could be an exciting experience - to buy new things to replace the old ones. I don't really have too many treasured items, just decorative items for my house.
Next week's What Ifs...
- What if you were selected to be in the Olympics - in which event would you compete?
- What if you were on the game show, Deal or no Deal - what would your strategy be?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Two Part Tuesday: Playtex Reply
Part Two: The Reply
December 15, 2009
Dear The Crazy World of Shelle,
We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for contacting us and providing your feedback about our Playtex (R) Ventaire (R) Advanced Bottle System.
It is because of loyal consumers like you sharing this valuable information, that we can make changes to our products to better meet you and your baby's needs. We are pleased to let you know that based on your input, we have made recent improvements to our Ventaire (R) Advanced Bottle System to help ensure your satisfaction. This BPA-FREE Ventaire (R) Advanced bottle is clinically shown to reduce gas, colic and spit up better than leading reusable bottles. We are confident that these improvements will meet your needs.
We are sending the enclosed compensation for your inconvenience.
Thank you again for sharing your comments with us, and please feel free to contact us again.
Sincerely,
Energizer Personal Care (contact person)
It pays to complain :) And I'm really glad I did, b/c I really like their bottles. I received two coupons, one for up to $15.99 (the cost to replace my three bottles), and a second one for up to $7.99. I used the second one to buy insulated sippy cups. Look for a future rant about BRU rewards policies that pertains to the use of the bigger coupon...
December 15, 2009
Dear The Crazy World of Shelle,
We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for contacting us and providing your feedback about our Playtex (R) Ventaire (R) Advanced Bottle System.
It is because of loyal consumers like you sharing this valuable information, that we can make changes to our products to better meet you and your baby's needs. We are pleased to let you know that based on your input, we have made recent improvements to our Ventaire (R) Advanced Bottle System to help ensure your satisfaction. This BPA-FREE Ventaire (R) Advanced bottle is clinically shown to reduce gas, colic and spit up better than leading reusable bottles. We are confident that these improvements will meet your needs.
We are sending the enclosed compensation for your inconvenience.
Thank you again for sharing your comments with us, and please feel free to contact us again.
Sincerely,
Energizer Personal Care (contact person)
It pays to complain :) And I'm really glad I did, b/c I really like their bottles. I received two coupons, one for up to $15.99 (the cost to replace my three bottles), and a second one for up to $7.99. I used the second one to buy insulated sippy cups. Look for a future rant about BRU rewards policies that pertains to the use of the bigger coupon...
Two Part Tuesday: Product Complaint Letter
Part One: The Complaint
December 7, 2009
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to let you know how much I love your product, Playtex® VentAire® Advanced Wide bottles. I love the angle of the bottle – it makes it so much easier to feed my baby, as compared with the straight designed bottle. I also love how I can hear the air being sucked out of the end of the bottle, instead of going into my baby’s mouth. This is my first baby, and I really like this product.
However, I was a bit disappointed when the ink/markings on three of my 9-oz bottles from the VentAire® Advanced Wide bottles gift set began to disappear. I have only been using these bottles for about 3 months now (my baby is about 6 months old), and I definitely did not expect this to happen so soon. I received the advanced wide bottles for my baby shower, but now that my daughter is drinking more formula, I prefer to use the 9-oz bottles instead of the 6-oz ones in the packages.
I was hoping that I could get some kind of voucher/coupon or replacement product for these 3 9-oz bottles. I only need the bottles replaced, not the attachments. Any assistance you can provide me will be greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
The Crazy World of Shelle
December 7, 2009
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to let you know how much I love your product, Playtex® VentAire® Advanced Wide bottles. I love the angle of the bottle – it makes it so much easier to feed my baby, as compared with the straight designed bottle. I also love how I can hear the air being sucked out of the end of the bottle, instead of going into my baby’s mouth. This is my first baby, and I really like this product.
However, I was a bit disappointed when the ink/markings on three of my 9-oz bottles from the VentAire® Advanced Wide bottles gift set began to disappear. I have only been using these bottles for about 3 months now (my baby is about 6 months old), and I definitely did not expect this to happen so soon. I received the advanced wide bottles for my baby shower, but now that my daughter is drinking more formula, I prefer to use the 9-oz bottles instead of the 6-oz ones in the packages.
I was hoping that I could get some kind of voucher/coupon or replacement product for these 3 9-oz bottles. I only need the bottles replaced, not the attachments. Any assistance you can provide me will be greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
The Crazy World of Shelle
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday Musings: Galina vs. The Sock Monkey
I wonder who will win?
And in this corner, we have Galina, weighing in at a whopping 20 lbs...
And the winner is....
GALINA!
And in this corner, we have Galina, weighing in at a whopping 20 lbs...
And the winner is....
GALINA!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Silly Saturday
As I walked out the steps of my front door, I landed on a white fluffy cloud. The cloud slowly rose with me on it up into the sky. As we were moving along, I looked down at the land below me. I saw thousands of snow people doing the Macarena! I couldn't help but smile. A few minutes later, the cloud returned me to my house, and as I stepped off it, the cloud transformed itself into a horsey, and it galloped away.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Feel Good Friday
This post couldn't have come at a better time. While I was attending undergraduate school at Drexel University, I did a work-study position in one of the freshmen dorms as a desk receptionist. On one particularly frigid day in January, a resident brought a homeless man with him into the building. He escorted him up to his room and gave him something to eat, and a chance to get warm. A short time later, the resident walked the homeless man out. The man was wearing one of the resident's hoodies. When the resident returned and gave me his ID to swipe him into the building, he said to me, "I had to hook the man up. He was freezing". I had tears in my eyes (and they are tearing up even now), and a huge smile on my face. The world needs more people like him in it!
When was the last time you did something nice for someone?
When was the last time you did something nice for someone?
Thursday, February 11, 2010
TV Thursday
I really enjoyed the most recent episode of House, M.D. (Mon, 2/8). It was the episode which detailed a day in the life of Cuddy. What I really liked about the episode was how they depicted a powerful woman. She handled being a mother (with a child who was under the weather), a contract with a stubborn insurance company, an employee stealing medications, and a stubborn patient who wanted a prescription for breast milk to treat his cancer. You don't often see a woman in charge of big operations, like running a hospital. It was a nice change, and she was portrayed realistically.
She wasn't Super Woman. She showed her emotion of frustration. She stuck to her guns when a lesser person would probably have caved, even at the expense of losing her job (insurance contract issues), and being slandered (lies by the medication-stealing employee).
I know several women who are like her - they are called parents and teachers. They are often underappreciated. So if you know women who are like this, give one a hug, or take them out for a cup of coffee, and tell them how much you respect and appreciate them!
She wasn't Super Woman. She showed her emotion of frustration. She stuck to her guns when a lesser person would probably have caved, even at the expense of losing her job (insurance contract issues), and being slandered (lies by the medication-stealing employee).
I know several women who are like her - they are called parents and teachers. They are often underappreciated. So if you know women who are like this, give one a hug, or take them out for a cup of coffee, and tell them how much you respect and appreciate them!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
What If Wednesday
What if you lived like you were dying - what would your life be like?
It sounds good in theory, but this isn't always practical. If I were dying, I would love to travel with my husband and daughter to see the world before I go. But that would get expensive, and I just don't have that kind of money to spend. I would also spend as much time as possible with family and friends. Again, this isn't always practical because these people have their own lives to live, careers to attend to, etc.
I would make each moment count. I wouldn't put off the things that interest me. For instance, if I wanted to do a puzzle, but needed to do the dishes, I would sit down at my table and do the puzzle and leave the dishes for another time (which is what I want to do now!!!). I wouldn't worry about eatting a balanced diet (hmm...I think I actually need to do this now, as I'm not eatting very healthy at present) , and not worry about an expanding waistline, or about getting enough veggies.
What if you had an unlimited amount of money to spend - how would you spend it?
I'd live like I was dying :) I would use my money to help out my family and friends so they could live comfortably. I would buy a nice house with a pool, complete with full maid, pool, and cooking services! I would also buy a beachfront property and boat along with previously stated services. I would take numerous trips around the world, starting with Australia, Russia, Poland, Ireland, and Italy.
I would make numerous donations to medical charities to help fund research for orphan diseases. Not enough money is given to them b/c they afflict so few numbers of people.
Next week's What Ifs...
It sounds good in theory, but this isn't always practical. If I were dying, I would love to travel with my husband and daughter to see the world before I go. But that would get expensive, and I just don't have that kind of money to spend. I would also spend as much time as possible with family and friends. Again, this isn't always practical because these people have their own lives to live, careers to attend to, etc.
I would make each moment count. I wouldn't put off the things that interest me. For instance, if I wanted to do a puzzle, but needed to do the dishes, I would sit down at my table and do the puzzle and leave the dishes for another time (which is what I want to do now!!!). I wouldn't worry about eatting a balanced diet (hmm...I think I actually need to do this now, as I'm not eatting very healthy at present) , and not worry about an expanding waistline, or about getting enough veggies.
What if you had an unlimited amount of money to spend - how would you spend it?
I'd live like I was dying :) I would use my money to help out my family and friends so they could live comfortably. I would buy a nice house with a pool, complete with full maid, pool, and cooking services! I would also buy a beachfront property and boat along with previously stated services. I would take numerous trips around the world, starting with Australia, Russia, Poland, Ireland, and Italy.
I would make numerous donations to medical charities to help fund research for orphan diseases. Not enough money is given to them b/c they afflict so few numbers of people.
Next week's What Ifs...
- What if you were forced to give up one of your five senses - which one would you give up?
- What if your house caught on fire and you could only save one item - what would you save?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Two Part Tuesday
Part 1: Winter Weather
Once again this winter, we are expecting a monster snowstorm. A part of me is excited for all the snow - I love watching it come down. I just get giddy looking at how pretty it looks! And on the plus side of a high-accumulating snowfall, my dear hubby has off from work tomorrow! He called the office, and a message was left on the machine saying that the building would be closed :) It's a grown-up person snow day!!! However, once the damage is done, cleanup must commence. This is not a fun job! Although, I don't mind it so much, b/c I definitely need to get more exercise!
Part 2: Winter Weather Pictures
12/20/09 Snow:
(Almost 14 inches)
Once again this winter, we are expecting a monster snowstorm. A part of me is excited for all the snow - I love watching it come down. I just get giddy looking at how pretty it looks! And on the plus side of a high-accumulating snowfall, my dear hubby has off from work tomorrow! He called the office, and a message was left on the machine saying that the building would be closed :) It's a grown-up person snow day!!! However, once the damage is done, cleanup must commence. This is not a fun job! Although, I don't mind it so much, b/c I definitely need to get more exercise!
Part 2: Winter Weather Pictures
12/20/09 Snow:
02/06/10 Snow:
(Almost 14 inches)
Sell This House
I've learned a few things about buying and selling houses from months of watching HGTV. Combine this with my love of making lists and being organized (yes, you will be subjected to numerous lists in my postings), you get the following checklist of things that need to be done around the house before we find a listing agent:
I've organized the checklist according to location in the house.
Garage
1. Repair crumbling part of wall
2. Oil hinges of garage door
3. Organize totes
Yard
1. Weed garden
2. Repair cracks
Basement
1. Replace washer and dryer (they are being delivered and installed on 2/26 :) )
Here is a picture of the washer that we ordered
2. Relocate cat bed to garage
Kitchen
1. Fix drawer
2. Fix sink faucet
3. Relocate storage units to garage
4. Clear counters of all un-necessary appliances/items
Dining Room
1. Remove expansion leaf from table to make room appear more spacious
2. Relocate 2 chairs, folding table/chairs to garage
3. Remove clutter on the floor
4. Store books and games in garage
5. Clear "pass through"
6. Remove wall hangings/decorations
7. Stage bookcase
Living Room
1. Relocate DVD storage unit to other side of the room
2. Remove wall shelves
3. Spackle, sand, and repaint shelving wall (I tried installing these shelves with the Mighty Putty that Billy Mays was selling, but that didn't work out too well - it left a huge mess on my walls, and an interesting conversation with my brother about all the gunk inside the piece where you have to install the screw!)
4. Touch-up paint the banister
5. Relocate all baby equipment to garage
6. Replace last old bulb in ceiling fan light
7. Remove clock, and picture frame
8. Stage living room with non-personalized items
Shelle's Office
1. Relocate changing curtain to garage
2. Remove wall hangings
3. Relocate bathroom storage unit to garage
4. Rearrange furniture to make room appear more spacious
Nursery
1. Relocate plastic storage bin to garage
Bathroom
1. Remove clock
2. Replace shower curtain with more generic shower curtain
3. Replace toilet seat with a non-personalized seat (I bought a new replacement seat for $10)
4. Wash bathroom rug
Bedroom
1. Fix curtain hardware (re-string it - check!)
2. Buy new curtains
3. Fix Shelle's closet door
4. Remove wall decorations
Front of House
1. Replace steps (does anybody have a good reference to give me???)
2. Paint railings
3. Plant annuals
Let the fun begin!
Monday, February 8, 2010
It Starts
Right off the bat I would like to say thanks to Inappropriate Sue for inspiring me to create one of these things. I think it's more fun and personal than posting on Facebook, which has recently been getting on my nerves due to site problems.
And now I'd like to welcome you to The Crazy World of Shelle!
*Warning* The majority of my posts will probably be about events surrounding my daughter. My family is my life, and Galina is the newest addition to my family. I usually have a ton of things to talk about when it comes to her.
As anyone who knows me and my daughter, they can tell you that when it comes to being a mommy, I am spoiled! When Galina was only 6 weeks old, she began sleeping for 8 hours through the night. The first time she did so, it scared the crap out of me - I looked at my Itzbeen (a really cool gadget!), and saw that it was 8 hours since she went to sleep. I jumped out of bed and ran over to the bassinet to make sure that she was still breathing. A couple months after that, she began sleeping between 10-12 hours through the night. Numerous people have told my hubby and I that they hate us, in a "my kids still aren't sleeping through the night" spiteful tone of voice :) I just smile and count my blessings.
Well, Galina has decided to empathize with those parents who are envious of Max and I, and make life just a tad more difficult for us. Usually, all we needed to do to get Galina to go to sleep was give her a bedtime bottle when she started getting fussy (around 8:30/9:00), and she'd either go to sleep (we could easily put her in her crib), or be sleepy enough to be put in the crib for self-soothing. However, for the past 3 nights, we would give her a bedtime bottle (around 9 or so), and she would start drifting off to sleep. After about 10-15 minutes of her sleeping in our arms, we would attempt to put her in her crib. This is when the fun begins! As we were walking up the steps to her room, she would open her eyes and start whimpering. As soon as she was placed in her crib, the whimpering turned to outright wails! We would close the door and let her cry for 5-10 minutes, hoping that she would soothe herself back to sleep. When that didn't work, I would get her, bring her back downstairs, and give her an additional 2 ounces of formula. She would close her eyes, and start drifting off back to sleep. Again, when we tried to bring her up to the crib, she would open her eyes and start crying. The first night of this, she didn't go to sleep until midnight. The second night, she didn't go to sleep until about 10:30, and the same for tonight. I've tried rocking her in the glider in her room with quiet music - that didn't really help. I've tried giving her a pacifier; that didn't help either. Tonight, after the second time I tried to put her to sleep and she woke up, I turned off the lights, and held her against my chest. She calmed down enough for me to lay her in her crib. I held my hand on her stomach for reassurance, and after a minute, I slowly backed away from her crib and out of the room. I'm thankful that once she goes to sleep, she stays asleep until I go to get her at 9:30-10:00 the next morning.
It's awesome that I can sleep until about 8:30-9:00 AM. When Galina wakes up, she usually talks quietly to herself, and after about 5-10 minutes, goes back to sleep. When I hear this quiet talking is usually when I get out of bed, check my e-mail, the weather, etc., then get my shower. After my shower, if Galina is still sleeping, I chill out in bed with a few chapters of a novel. When she wakes up after her little catnap, she begins talking in her daytime voice, and I know that it is time for us to start the day :)
I'm hoping that this sleeping issue is only temporary. She goes through different phases, (like me being her BFF, stranger anxiety, etc.), and I'm hoping that this is just one of those phases. I will continue to try different things should this pattern continue.
Well, this is enough for now...come back again, if you dare!
And now I'd like to welcome you to The Crazy World of Shelle!
*Warning* The majority of my posts will probably be about events surrounding my daughter. My family is my life, and Galina is the newest addition to my family. I usually have a ton of things to talk about when it comes to her.
As anyone who knows me and my daughter, they can tell you that when it comes to being a mommy, I am spoiled! When Galina was only 6 weeks old, she began sleeping for 8 hours through the night. The first time she did so, it scared the crap out of me - I looked at my Itzbeen (a really cool gadget!), and saw that it was 8 hours since she went to sleep. I jumped out of bed and ran over to the bassinet to make sure that she was still breathing. A couple months after that, she began sleeping between 10-12 hours through the night. Numerous people have told my hubby and I that they hate us, in a "my kids still aren't sleeping through the night" spiteful tone of voice :) I just smile and count my blessings.
Well, Galina has decided to empathize with those parents who are envious of Max and I, and make life just a tad more difficult for us. Usually, all we needed to do to get Galina to go to sleep was give her a bedtime bottle when she started getting fussy (around 8:30/9:00), and she'd either go to sleep (we could easily put her in her crib), or be sleepy enough to be put in the crib for self-soothing. However, for the past 3 nights, we would give her a bedtime bottle (around 9 or so), and she would start drifting off to sleep. After about 10-15 minutes of her sleeping in our arms, we would attempt to put her in her crib. This is when the fun begins! As we were walking up the steps to her room, she would open her eyes and start whimpering. As soon as she was placed in her crib, the whimpering turned to outright wails! We would close the door and let her cry for 5-10 minutes, hoping that she would soothe herself back to sleep. When that didn't work, I would get her, bring her back downstairs, and give her an additional 2 ounces of formula. She would close her eyes, and start drifting off back to sleep. Again, when we tried to bring her up to the crib, she would open her eyes and start crying. The first night of this, she didn't go to sleep until midnight. The second night, she didn't go to sleep until about 10:30, and the same for tonight. I've tried rocking her in the glider in her room with quiet music - that didn't really help. I've tried giving her a pacifier; that didn't help either. Tonight, after the second time I tried to put her to sleep and she woke up, I turned off the lights, and held her against my chest. She calmed down enough for me to lay her in her crib. I held my hand on her stomach for reassurance, and after a minute, I slowly backed away from her crib and out of the room. I'm thankful that once she goes to sleep, she stays asleep until I go to get her at 9:30-10:00 the next morning.
It's awesome that I can sleep until about 8:30-9:00 AM. When Galina wakes up, she usually talks quietly to herself, and after about 5-10 minutes, goes back to sleep. When I hear this quiet talking is usually when I get out of bed, check my e-mail, the weather, etc., then get my shower. After my shower, if Galina is still sleeping, I chill out in bed with a few chapters of a novel. When she wakes up after her little catnap, she begins talking in her daytime voice, and I know that it is time for us to start the day :)
I'm hoping that this sleeping issue is only temporary. She goes through different phases, (like me being her BFF, stranger anxiety, etc.), and I'm hoping that this is just one of those phases. I will continue to try different things should this pattern continue.
Well, this is enough for now...come back again, if you dare!
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