Surviving Without Cable

Since we live in a small/medium sized town we are pretty limited on cable and internet service providers. We are stuck with Comcast which isn't too bad, not much different from Time Warner Cable which is what we had in San Diego. However, with cable packages so flipping expensive we decided to go without.

In our area internet alone is $39.95 per month for the basic package. If we add on the most basic cable package that bumps it up another $29.99 per month without the rental fees for the modem and cable box. That seems pretty cheap, right? Sure, except that wouldn't include any of the children's channels I'm interested in. When I talked to a customer service rep I was told that the only way to get Disney Jr., the channel we're really interested in above all else, was to upgrade to the $85 per month package. That is insane.

So, what are we doing instead?

We have one of our desktop PCs hooked up to our TV via HDMI. Instead of paying over $30 for cable + the cable box, we are subscribed to Hulu ($7.99/month) and Netflix ($7.99/month). We use sites like stream2watch.me if we need to check up on breaking news or have our hopes and dreams crushed by the team we're rooting for (thanks, Leafs!). We can also watch clips of Bubble Guppies or Umizoomi via Nick Jr. and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse via Disney Jr.

I don't feel that we're missing out at all. We may be a day behind with the network shows on Hulu or a season behind thanks to the lack of CBS programming but it's just entertainment. Unless you really, really can't wait the one day I would highly recommend the switch.

Obligatory Mother's Day Post

This year will mark my second Mother's Day as a mother myself. Last year was kind of a mess. My husband ignored it completely because I said I didn't want or need anything which of course was a bit of a mind game. I regret not being upfront with him and saying "Yes, I would like something but you need to do it yourself." It set us both up for frustration with the other person. After a small fight he went out and bought me a gift card and a card. I ended up buying myself a lovely bracelet that will be a reminder to just appreciate that he cares, just needs an honest and obvious answer.

This year he told me to choose my own gift which I did. No grumbles from me. It would be nice to get a surprise of some sort whether it's just that he brings me a card or offers to take care of Emma for a day. However, I am not expecting it so I will not be disappointed when nothing happens. And yes, I'm really hoping my emotions keep in check with my brain.

Emma and I worked on a gift for my mother-in-law today. Didn't turn out perfect but it was made with love and care. I didn't want to take too long because Emma was not liking the paint on her hands. By the time I painted her hand for a second "flower" she was starting to cry. Turns out I have a prissy princess who does not like messes. I feel lucky because I am not a fan of messes either.

The end result. Cost $4 total and that includes the chocolates!

Since my mother was just down for a visit, we did Mother's Day stuff early. So, nothing special being done for her tomorrow except for a Skype date and an eCard. Tomorrow is also my brother's 23rd birthday. I sent him a gift back with my mom which I hope he likes. She wanted to get him some Oregon wine but since she was flying, it wasn't a great idea.

And so, I leave you with this. An article about the history of Mother's Day and how it has evolved over the past century. Honour the women among us who do great things and enjoy the day!

Weight Loss Mega Post

Officially I started getting serious about weight loss on March 1st of this year. Started with the Drop 10 workout and did it for 2 weeks to get myself used to working out after about 2 years of being lazy. I talk a little bit about what changes I've made here but I have even more to tell you!

Here's the Bzz

After a friend mentioned that she had been selected for a special campaign via a website called BzzAgent, I decided to sign up. She's currently in the Bed Head campaign and loving it. Seems like a pretty neat idea for a website. Viral marketing while people get to try new products for free. I have not been selected for any campaigns yet since I am a brand spanking new BzzAgent as of this week but I will be sure to update if/when I get selected.

You can check out my profile here and see what it's all about!

"Just a bit..." and How It's Never "Just a Bit"

My husband talked me into playing World of Warcraft again not too long ago and it took over all of our free time again. While it can be helpful to get my mind off of the pressures and stresses of reality, it doesn't help my productivity levels at all. Or give me time to really connect with my husband in the evenings. Tonight, I decided I am done with WoW. It was fun while it lasted but everything in my life slipped a bit including two of the important things. The focus on myself and also on this blog. I always say I'm coming back, this time's different, blah blah, but then it comes to time where I can either write or play and... well, being able to slay big enemy bosses is pretty fun after a day of cranky baby.

This is why I rarely drink, don't smoke, never tried any drugs in my life. I'm not good at moderation. That's also why I'm overweight. Food is just so goooood. Today I ate way more than I should have and worked out hardly at all. I feel like a failure.

I'm adding some links to other friends' blogs who are also moms so go check them out if once again I disappear for weeks on end. But I really hope this time is different.

I have let this slip a lot.

No more excuses. No more procrastinating. I need to get motivated and back on track with this blog. Not that there's anything really special about me and my journey. I am a fairly ordinary woman with a fairly ordinary life. It's okay to be ordinary and still write.