Another Sleepless Night

It happened again … I couldn’t sleep and stayed up all night. It was so cold overnight ~ 10° or less, and I just couldn’t fall asleep ~ so I stayed awake. I’ll be paying for it all day today Well, what’s left of the day. I finally dragged myself to bed around 9 a.m. ~ woke around 11:30 a.m. when Scott called, and fell back asleep until almost 1:30 p.m. I hate when I lose half a day. Probably by the time midnight comes around I’ll be wide awake.

I really, really hate cold weather. Sometimes I just can’t get warm. I drank hot tea and coffee … the caffeine doesn’t help, but warmed me up a teeny, tiny bit. Thank goodness for one hot fresh cup at a time pod makers, like my Senseo

I think it might also be my unconscious state keeping me up .. the stress of thinking about too many things. My mind almost always seems to be whirling with a million ~sometimes unrelated~ thoughts, and I can’t keep up with them all. Things to do, things I need to record and complete ~ instead of just thinking about them.

Got some things done, but really too tired to do them … reworked and posted wins spreadsheets for 2005, 2006, finally 2007, and even 2008. Now I’ll work backwards on 2004 and before.

Here it is after 3 p.m. and I’m still waking up ~ starting my second cup of coffee. I can hardly think, much less concentrate on anything. I’m even forgetful while I’m writing. I’m glad we’re having something simple and effortless for dinner tonight ~ “big” salads with bacon bits, crispy chicken, diced ham, cheese, and croutons.

 

Time Flies

It’s not just a saying ~ it’s really true. It’s been an exceptionally busy week here, but I’d be hard put to track all the hours.

I finally entered a few sweepstakes this morning before they expire. It’s evident I haven’t been entering many this week. My total count has dropped from an average of 2,500-3,000 (listings, not entries) to less than 1,500 I’ll have to get on the bandwagon soon if I want to win anything. I’ve also been bad about even marking off entries on an easy-to-use daily sweepstakes checklist I created.

I wanted to close out the year organized for a fresh start, but that didn’t happen. I’m still trying to “get things done” so everything else just falls into place. So I can have a simple schedule, follow it, and be happy I’m always coming up with new “projects” though and they all seem to take an inordinate amount of time

This week I spent alot of time updating spreadsheets for wins in 2005 and 2006. I’ve posted them, but I’ve already got a few ideas to make them a little bit better and will post more updates sometime soon. I’ve almost completed my spreadsheet for 2007 wins and I’ve started 2008. When those are done I’ll go even further back … I’ve actually got a huge stack of papers for really old wins LOL.

I spent most of another day looking around at graphics … one of my favorite things to do. And I dwindled the HUGE piles of paperwork and things scattered on two downstairs desks. Hopefully I can sit down and work on mail soon. That’s something else I’d like to get in the habit of doing regularly instead of letting it pile up.

I created a couple of playlists at Project Playlist. Eventually, I hope to replace most or all of my hard drive tunes with streaming music. Hard drive space isn’t at a premium ~ I just prefer to do everything online that I can.

The last couple of days have been spent tweaking my computer … cleaning things up, reorganizing, finding better ways to do things.

This weekend I’ve got to make myself sit down and clip a ton of coupons. Most of the ones in my extra-large coupon organizer have probably expired. Our newspaper subscription expired at the end of the year and we probably won’t renew it. Scott’s parents pass along coupon inserts from the Sunday paper and just between the two of us, we really don’t use much more. So many of them already go to waste and I can find valuable printable coupons online.

Gotta squeeze some dishwasher and laundry time in too.

I’ve neglected MySpace this week and hope to return to it soon. … ONE DAY, I hope to digitize many years worth of photos!

Hope everyone has a good ~winning~ weekend!

 

♥ Amazon ♥

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again ~ ♥ Amazon ♥ . I was doing some last-minute shopping at the Friday Sale and noticed that two sets of sheets I bought earlier this month cost significantly less. Hmmm … after searching help I found that Amazon has a Post-Order Price Guarantee! I’ve been shopping there a long time and I never knew this, but don’t think I’ve ever had occasion to.

Amazon.com’s prices for released items will change from time to time based on a variety of factors. If Amazon.com’s price for an already-released item decreases within 30 days after we ship the item to you, we’ll be glad to refund the difference in price if you contact us. Please click one of the buttons on the right, and be sure to have your order number handy so we can assist you.

I love the instant call-backs! Talking with customer service is never a hassle. My order problems are always quickly and easily resolved. Tonight I received a credit card refund for the difference in the sheets. I also got a total refund for my previous cereal purchase!! I wasn’t going to mention it, but I saw the cereal was on sale again tonight. The price was a bit higher, but the 20.5 ounces size was the same ~ and this time the photo even shows 20.5 ounces:

All it took was a simple phone call and a few minutes of my time. After such a pleasant experience I decided to go ahead and order the three items in my shopping cart. I paid only $3.97 after applying a free $25 gift certificate (from a rewards program) and free Super Saver Shipping for 180s Women’s Black Puffy Quilt Ear Warmer, No Nonsense Women’s Red Long Sleeve Top and Snowflake Long Pant Sleepwear Set, and Pike Street 135-Gram Snowflakes Printed Flannel Full Sheet Set!!

On December 28, 2007 I wrote I LOVE Amazon.com!

UPS delivered the cereal I ordered one week ago within the past hour. The boxes I received were 15 ounces instead of the large 20.5 ounce boxes I was so excited about getting for a great deal. I checked my order online and because the cereal is an unreturnable item, I contacted Amazon.com for a callback. I was immediately connected to a customer service representative from Estara Inc. … I believe they are contracted by Amazon.com for return issues.

I am tickled pink with the prompt and very satisfactory resolution of my order issue My order will be replaced with the correct item ~ and I get to keep the 8 15 ounce boxes. Free cereal! I love Post Honey Bunches of Oats that these are compared to. We won’t have to buy cereal for a long, long time

When I take a closer look at the photo though ~ it does show the 15 ounce box. I hope Amazon.com doesn’t make too many of these mistakes ~ it must be costly! Fast and free shipping too!!

Sweet Home Farm French Vanilla Granola with Almonds, 20.5 Ounce Boxes (Pack of
List Price: $27.56
Price: $12.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save: $15.56 (56%)

Product Features
* Case of eight 20.5-ounce cartons of cereal (total of 164 ounces)
* Flakes and oat clusters with almonds
* 100% natural

 

you know you’re a grown-up when …

… you’re able to say no, no, no! to those truly adorable platform wedge slingbacks because you’re saving for the trip to Paris you’ve always dreamed of.

… the checker at the grocery store calls you “ma’am” and you don’t plummet into a monthlong depression.

… you say, “I know Mom means well”–and you really mean it.

… waffles become your dinner of choice now and then–not because there’s nothing else in the house to eat but just because you like them.

… you figure out that Prince Charming lives in the same universe as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.

… you also realize that not all the “good ones” are married or gay.

… a normally even-tempered friend flies off the handle at you, and rather than snarling back, you wonder if there’s something going on with her.

… your primary feeling toward Britney is one of pity.

… you suddenly get why your father complained so much about taxes.

… you feel no compulsion to adopt the current sizzling-hot (and really stupid-looking) fashion trend; you know that, like a mild rash, it’ll soon go away on its own.

… the idea of staying in is just as appealing as the idea of going out.

… you decide to learn how to a) play the guitar, b) speak Italian, and c) scuba dive, for no other reason than your own desire.

… rocking out along with the radio no longer embarrasses you. In fact, you turn it up.

… the proverb “Life is short, but wide” starts to make sense.

Source: Redbook, January 2008

 

Goodbye Guilt

Sure, we all have our guilty moments. But when you allow those feelings to flourish unchecked, you could be putting your health at risk. Medical research shows that harboring guilt taxes the immune system, leading to a host of health problems, including depression auto-immune disorders, and chronic fatigue. So next time you’re about to do something that’s guilt-worthy, think twice–or utter c’est la vie and move on with your day.

Source: body+soul, January/February 2008

 

I LOVE Amazon.com!

UPS delivered the cereal I ordered one week ago within the past hour. The boxes I received were 15 ounces instead of the large 20.5 ounce boxes I was so excited about getting for a great deal. I checked my order online and because the cereal is an unreturnable item, I contacted Amazon.com for a callback. I was immediately connected to a customer service representative from Estara Inc. … I believe they are contracted by Amazon.com for return issues.

I am tickled pink with the prompt and very satisfactory resolution of my order issue My order will be replaced with the correct item ~ and I get to keep the 8 15 ounce boxes. Free cereal! I love Post Honey Bunches of Oats that these are compared to. We won’t have to buy cereal for a long, long time

When I take a closer look at the photo though ~ it does show the 15 ounce box. I hope Amazon.com doesn’t make too many of these mistakes ~ it must be costly! Fast and free shipping too!!

Sweet Home Farm French Vanilla Granola with Almonds, 20.5 Ounce Boxes (Pack of
List Price: $27.56
Price: $12.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save: $15.56 (56%)

Product Features
* Case of eight 20.5-ounce cartons of cereal (total of 164 ounces)
* Flakes and oat clusters with almonds
* 100% natural

 

Amazon Friday Sale

Amazon.com: Friday Sale: Outlet

I’m not much of a shopper ~ in other words I usually HATE shopping, but I do love to browse the Amazon Friday Sale when I remember to. Today was one of those days There didn’t seem to be much in the sale today ~ maybe because of Christmas? I was still able to find a couple of good deals worth buying.

I bought my miniature schnauzer another dog bed (she already has several ~ maybe one in every room ):

Petmate 25″ Burrow Bed, Colors may vary
List Price: $39.99
Price: $14.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save: $25.00 (63%)

Product Description

Wrap your pet in comfort, warmth, and style. The Burrow Bed appeals to the nesting instinct of small dogs, cats and ferrets. Provides insulation from cold, hard floors.

This is the bed that’s made specially for burrowers and cuddlers, those pets that love to sneak between the bed covers, nuzzle into the couch cushions, and snuggle up in the sheets. Super soft bed is topped by a hood that creates a comforting burrow. Appeals to the burrowing instincts of small dogs, cats, and ferrets. Made in the USA. Machine washable. Cool water. Mild detergent. No bleach. Fluff dry.Recommended for pet use only.

I like the seemingly enveloping warmth and comfort of the flap ~ I believe Pepper Too will also. I especially like that it’s washable!

I found cereal for myself I could eat cereal for every meal ~ and sometimes do. Cereal is healthy, nutritious, and non-fattening. It’s the best way I get fiber.

Sweet Home Farm French Vanilla Granola with Almonds, 20.5 Ounce Boxes (Pack of
List Price: $27.56
Price: $12.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save: $15.56 (56%)

Product Features
* Case of eight 20.5-ounce cartons of cereal (total of 164 ounces)
* Flakes and oat clusters with almonds
* 100% natural

We make all our purchases at Amazon using the Amazon Visa Card (Chase Bank) and earn 3 reward points for every dollar spent at Amazon.

 

A Better Idea

Anyone who’s ever had a near death experience while cleaning a gutter will love this. From the makers of the Roomba vacuum cleaner comes the Looj, a remote-controlled robot with a rotating rubber propeller that plows its way through leaf and gunk-filled gutters, swirling the clogging waste up and out at a rate of 60 feet of gutter every ten minutes. –Katherine Lagomarsino

Source: Met Home, Jan/Feb08

Unbelievably, this was the only useful tidbit in the entire magazine. I have a free subscription through August 2008 from a redemption at e-Rewards. Nothing’s really worth reading, but I flip through the magazine and mostly look at ads and photos. JMO ~ Metropolitan Home is published for the rich … and those with a modern taste. My taste is eclectic, but I prefer a combination of cottage and country styles.

 

Sleep is Good

Current Mood:

What a difference a good night’s sleep makes I never made it to bed yesterday until our normal time … 10 pm. Scott said he could tell I hadn’t been to sleep ~ I just looked that way. I can only imagine what that “looks” like

Games and graphics are my downfall. Unbelievably, I spent the entire day looking at MySpace graphics. I also made alot of new MySpace friends My favorite forum has an entire thread dedicated to MySpace addresses.

Scott let me sleep in this morning. We still have a couple of free food coupons for Chik-Fil-A that expire at the end of the month, and he says he’ll try to pick up lunch there. Hopefully, he’s out that way when he’s working. I hate to think he’ll skip lunch, which is something he does easily and often ~ even when he has a lunch packed (thoughtfully and lovingly by moi).

I didn’t get to sleep in too late though. By 7:15 am he was calling to verify his oldest son’s birthdate. His company just changed health insurance (again). Apparently 1988 got transposed to 1983, so Jason wasn’t eligible. No big deal to me, but if anything happened ~ Scott would be obligated to pay  out-of-pocket.

One more year or so and we’re finally done with this divorce crap … child care and health insurance. Jason is in some type of automotive trade school this year at the local community college and it’s only a two-year course. Funny thing is, Jason was never interested in cars before. I’m guessing Scott’s ex-wife’s ex-boyfriend influenced him. I don’t see Jason pursuing a further education if he gets through with this. Schoolwork and grades were never important to him when he was here. Scott’s parents ~ his grandparents ~ spent alot of time and money, more than $5,000 to send him to Australia for a student exchange program … and he backed out at the last minute. He’s just an ungrateful punk who’s been overly influenced by his skanky mom.

 

Time for Bed Soon?

Current Mood:

I definitely had a case of insomnia last night ~ and haven’t been to bed YET I’ve been thinking about my practically unused and ignored MySpace and decided to look for a new layout. It took alot of time to find just the right one … then I spent more time tweaking and adding some additional content. My next objective will be to add more photos. Of course, I’d also like to make sure I get into the habit of leaving comments on friends’ profiles.

It’s 18° F right now ~ and every hour or two when I go outside for a smoke, the cold wakes me right back up. Now I’m on my second cup of coffee.

Who knows when I’ll finally hit the sack? I’m tired as heck, but not quite ready to go to sleep ~ know what I mean? I hate it when this happens ~ my internal clock is going haywire