We have VOIP. That means, for $24.99 a month, plus taxes and fees, we have unlimited long distance to the US and Canada, among other things. Now, does that mean I pick up the phone and call anyone? I'm so bad. I'm paying for it anyway so I really should use it, but I don't. If someone calls me, I'm more than happy to talk. It's just the picking up the phone to make a call. Don't ask me why, I don't know.
Because of this, I'm always looking for ways that let other people make free calls so they can call me. Today I tried CallingAmerica.com to see how that would work. Anyone with a broadband internet connection and a headset can make calls for free. The service is supported by advertising, so the person who places the call has to listen to a short ad, but the person on the other end of the call won't hear it. They just get a call on their cell phone or landline, just like any other call.
If you register, for free, you can place as many calls as you want. The calls are limited to 15 minutes, which could be a good thing because you might actually get off the phone and get something done. Otherwise, if you still have things to say, you can make another call. If you don't register, you can only make a 2 minute call. I guess that's enough to say, "Call me back with your unlimited long distance!" but that's about it. So, to really get some use from CallingAmerica.com, registering would be a good idea.
If you don't have your own unlimited long distance, this may just be the service you're looking for. I didn't register because, like I said, I'm already paying for VOIP, but I am going to remember this site. One of these days I may be away from home and need to make some phone calls. We have been known to take our phone adapter with us, just in case, but this would be much easier.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
What Does This Say About Me?
Cory didn't even ask me today and I still went in his room several times and sounded his hunter's horn on MouseHunt. Sorry I didn't get back to you, Tammy - yes, it's an application on Facebook. There isn't a real horn in his room. I guess every 15 minutes or so you get to click this horn, or whenever it shows up on the page. It shoots out little music notes, you get some points, and then the page refreshes. Sometimes it says you caught a mouse, which gives you points and gold, and sometimes it says you didn't. Like I said, really random. I can't actually see any rhyme or reason to it.
So why did I bother? It's that darn cat, lying in there on his bed being all soft and stuff. If I hadn't walked in there to pet her and happened to glance at the computer screen, I wouldn't have thought about hunting mice. Notice that Cory still hasn't gotten the cat to hunt the mice. What good is that cat, anyway?
So why did I bother? It's that darn cat, lying in there on his bed being all soft and stuff. If I hadn't walked in there to pet her and happened to glance at the computer screen, I wouldn't have thought about hunting mice. Notice that Cory still hasn't gotten the cat to hunt the mice. What good is that cat, anyway?
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
To the Bitter End
Cory has pep band tonight at the girls' basketball game. Since he brought home the schedule, I actually knew ahead of time and was thinking about going. Except that he and his friend Pam didn't want to stay for the whole game. The band gets to leave at half time, and they don't want to stay for the rest of the game. They just want to come home. I said, if I was going to go and pay to get in ($3?) then I wanted to stay for the whole game. So they decided Pam would drive, and Jeffrey and I stayed home.
Besides the money thing, I just think it's kind of rude. People go for the band or to watch the dancers, and then after half time they leave. I know they are there to support their own kids, but their kids are there to support the basketball team, and it only seems right to support them until the end. Leaving at half time is kind of like putting in hardwood floors, but not getting any area rugs, or fixing dinner but not serving it. Or... never mind - it just seems rude to the kids who are playing. Win or lose, they work really hard and deserve the support.
So, when I do go to a basketball game, or two, I want to stay to the end. Yes, I'll enjoy the part when the band is playing best, but I'll stay until the final buzzer.
Heads or Tails - 3 Things in 2008
This week's theme/prompt is:TAILS - "Three Things"
Tell three things you learned in 2008
For some reason I'm having the hardest time thinking of what I want to say. I've been struggling with Heads or Tails today, even though it should have been pretty simple. The prompt for the day was, 3 things you learned in 2008. It was an entire year - you'd think I'd have learned a thing or two, or even three. So why can't I come up with a simple list? No, I'm trying to come up with some earth-shattering intense things I learned. Maybe I need to learn not to over think things. And maybe I should just be thankful nothing is all that earth-shattering and intense.
On that note, I learned (this is #1) that my daughter, Beth had something wrong with her heart. That could've been really serious. And scary. Yes, it was a little scary, for all of us - especially Beth. But, she had the procedure last week. It went really well, and she's back to her normal life. The bruises haven't faded yet, but they're going. Thankfully, it was (relatively) easy to correct, and there's only a 3% chance it's not completely and totally fixed. That means 97% that she will never have to worry about that again.
Also in 2008, I learned (this is #2) - well, I keep starting that sentence, "I learned _________." But then I stop and think, but I already knew that. I'm not saying that I already knew it all. Maybe it's that some things I just have to learn over and over before I actually get it? Or maybe once I figure something out it seems so obvious I can't believe I didn't know it before?
Somewhere along the line I learned (this is #3) that I better write stuff down, or post it to my blog, in order to remember. I bet if I took the time to read through all my entries for 2008, all 851 of them, I would have found it a whole lot easier to come up with three things I learned in 2008. I ought to start a new label for my blog - 'something I learned' - and try to use it on a regular basis. That way I'll be good and ready for next year's '3 things you learned' - or whatever number Barb comes up with!
I know it's late, but it is still Tuesday. I learned the days of the week in some previous year, though, so I couldn't use that for this post. Heads or Tails is a fun weekly meme hosted by Skittles, and it's not too late for you to join in, too.
We Are Living in a Material World
I just joined a new consumer network called acobay. It's like a social network, only with stuff. What that means is you add the things you have to your account, rate them, review them, and even upload photos. Then, you can connect with and make friends with other people who have the same stuff you do.
I added my digital camera and my cell phone to my stuff, but I haven't connected with any people yet. I'm not sure that's really what I want out of this, considering I have enough friends to keep up with on Facebook. What I think is going to be helpful about acobay is the ability to see what other people think about the stuff they have. For instance, when I or one of the kids is ready to get a new cell phone, we can find people who already own that phone and see what they think of it. The same goes for new cameras, televisions, MP3 players, cars, books, and even restaurants. Just add the item to your wishlist and join the discussion.
Oh, I should add my MP3 player! Back when I first got it I was having trouble getting it to work with some of the audio books I downloaded from the library. I searched all over the Internet trying to find some answers, but didn't have much luck. A network like acobay would have let me ask the people who owned the same MP3 player to see if they had the answers. Now that I've figured it out, when I add the player to my stuff, other people will be able to ask me.
I'm also thinking this could be a very handy way to inventory all the stuff we have. You know how you're supposed to do that for insurance purposes? I keep meaning to do that.
So far, the only thing I don't like is that I have to put a price in when I add stuff. If I start adding as I acquire, that won't be a problem. I love telling people what a deal I got, but for the stuff I've had a while, I really don't remember. That's pretty minor, though compared with all the possibilities. What are you waiting for? Go add some stuff!
I added my digital camera and my cell phone to my stuff, but I haven't connected with any people yet. I'm not sure that's really what I want out of this, considering I have enough friends to keep up with on Facebook. What I think is going to be helpful about acobay is the ability to see what other people think about the stuff they have. For instance, when I or one of the kids is ready to get a new cell phone, we can find people who already own that phone and see what they think of it. The same goes for new cameras, televisions, MP3 players, cars, books, and even restaurants. Just add the item to your wishlist and join the discussion.
Oh, I should add my MP3 player! Back when I first got it I was having trouble getting it to work with some of the audio books I downloaded from the library. I searched all over the Internet trying to find some answers, but didn't have much luck. A network like acobay would have let me ask the people who owned the same MP3 player to see if they had the answers. Now that I've figured it out, when I add the player to my stuff, other people will be able to ask me.
I'm also thinking this could be a very handy way to inventory all the stuff we have. You know how you're supposed to do that for insurance purposes? I keep meaning to do that.
So far, the only thing I don't like is that I have to put a price in when I add stuff. If I start adding as I acquire, that won't be a problem. I love telling people what a deal I got, but for the stuff I've had a while, I really don't remember. That's pretty minor, though compared with all the possibilities. What are you waiting for? Go add some stuff!
Monday, January 05, 2009
A Family Reunion of Sorts
Facebook is a real time waster, isn't it? At least it can be. Don't get me wrong, I love it. I love that I've been able to reconnect with people I haven't seen in years, and I love that I'm now in touch with all kinds of cousins and family members I haven't seen in years, either. I'm pretty sure I have more friends on Facebook than I have in real life - except that all my Facebook friends are my friends in real life, or at least they were at one time, or we're related.
So, I find myself on Facebook throughout the day, checking to see what everyone is up to, looking through old (and new) photos, thinking I really must get my scanner to work so I can add some too, commenting on said photos and status updates, and now playing Lexulous. I don't think all that is quite as bad as the new game Cory's dear Aunt Cindy has gotten him playing. It's called MouseHunt. Have any of you heard of it? I don't really understand it, and I'm not really trying because this game seems to take a lot of time.
This morning before school Cory asked me if I could do him a favor. He wanted me to go into his room periodically throughout the day and blow his hunter's horn for him so he could catch a mouse, or something. From what I could see, it was pretty random, but I did it several times throughout the day because I'm a nice mom like that. And because Tillie was lying in there on Cory's bed, so I had to stop in and pet her when I walked by. While I was in there, I might as well click, right?
One of those times, Tillie came over to the computer to see what I was doing and climbed up on the desk. So, I figure since she's a cat, and the game is all about hunting mice, then Cory should teach her how to play it for him. Sounds reasonable, right? And it will save me some time in the future, assuming he's going to keep playing the game.
It may be a waste of time, but Cory has really been enjoying playing the game and spending time with his aunt (and his uncle) while playing it. I even got to talk to Cindy for a little bit today when she asked Cory why he wasn't in school. He has also started talking about Doctor Who with one of my (his) cousins he's never met.
Facebook may not be quite the same as a family reunion, but it's better than nothing. Now, I need to go whup my mom at Lexulous!
So, I find myself on Facebook throughout the day, checking to see what everyone is up to, looking through old (and new) photos, thinking I really must get my scanner to work so I can add some too, commenting on said photos and status updates, and now playing Lexulous. I don't think all that is quite as bad as the new game Cory's dear Aunt Cindy has gotten him playing. It's called MouseHunt. Have any of you heard of it? I don't really understand it, and I'm not really trying because this game seems to take a lot of time.
This morning before school Cory asked me if I could do him a favor. He wanted me to go into his room periodically throughout the day and blow his hunter's horn for him so he could catch a mouse, or something. From what I could see, it was pretty random, but I did it several times throughout the day because I'm a nice mom like that. And because Tillie was lying in there on Cory's bed, so I had to stop in and pet her when I walked by. While I was in there, I might as well click, right?
One of those times, Tillie came over to the computer to see what I was doing and climbed up on the desk. So, I figure since she's a cat, and the game is all about hunting mice, then Cory should teach her how to play it for him. Sounds reasonable, right? And it will save me some time in the future, assuming he's going to keep playing the game.
It may be a waste of time, but Cory has really been enjoying playing the game and spending time with his aunt (and his uncle) while playing it. I even got to talk to Cindy for a little bit today when she asked Cory why he wasn't in school. He has also started talking about Doctor Who with one of my (his) cousins he's never met.
Facebook may not be quite the same as a family reunion, but it's better than nothing. Now, I need to go whup my mom at Lexulous!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Camera Critters (#39)
Here’s a picture I took of one of the goats while we were visiting my parents for Thanksgiving.
We always had goats when I was growing up. Mom & Dad had a few years they lived in town and didn’t have any, but now they’ve got three. If you’d like to meet them, you can read Dad’s post. There are more pictures, too.
Camera Critters is a fun weekend meme hosted by Misty Dawn.Visit the Camera Critters headquarters and join in.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Cleaning Today
I don't have much time for blogging today or playing the new game on Facebook, Lexulous. If you haven't checked that game out yet, do it, you'll be glad you did. It might even already be your turn - I'm just sayin'.
Instead of having all that fun, I've been trying to get my house cleaned up. I tried the new hypo-allergenic Endust and dusted all my furniture. Why didn't someone come up with this before? No perfume and a reduced mist spray. It didn't bother me at all, and I feel like my furniture is dusted better now. I've been using a static duster that just never seems to work for me. Static gets me every time I get out of the van (OW!) but never seems to be there when I want it, like when I'm dusting. So, with this new Endust, I think it's back to the dust rag.
Now I've got to go clean my bathroom. Since I polished it up with the Turtle Wax cleaner, I've mostly wiped the sink down with a towel after a nice steamy shower. I polish the faucets to get them shiny, and I'm good to go. However, I think it's time for a real cleaning, so I need to get that done.
Oh, and I have to finish this library book, too since it's due today. Why is there not more time in a day?
Instead of having all that fun, I've been trying to get my house cleaned up. I tried the new hypo-allergenic Endust and dusted all my furniture. Why didn't someone come up with this before? No perfume and a reduced mist spray. It didn't bother me at all, and I feel like my furniture is dusted better now. I've been using a static duster that just never seems to work for me. Static gets me every time I get out of the van (OW!) but never seems to be there when I want it, like when I'm dusting. So, with this new Endust, I think it's back to the dust rag.
Now I've got to go clean my bathroom. Since I polished it up with the Turtle Wax cleaner, I've mostly wiped the sink down with a towel after a nice steamy shower. I polish the faucets to get them shiny, and I'm good to go. However, I think it's time for a real cleaning, so I need to get that done.
Oh, and I have to finish this library book, too since it's due today. Why is there not more time in a day?
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Sky Watch Friday (#50)
It's (almost) Friday again, and that means
Sky Watch Friday!
Jeffrey and I walked a little later than normal on Tuesday. Because of Beth's surgery, he wasn’t leaving for work as usual. So, instead of walking in the dark like we normally do this time of year, we got to enjoy the sunrise and had some light to enjoy our surroundings.
I walked out the door to see this sunrise, turned back around and grabbed my camera.
Then, since I already had the camera, I took it along. Jeffrey does not wait for me when I stop to take a picture:
There he is up ahead of me, so I have to run to catch up. He says he’s walking for exercise, not to take pictures. Does he even know what he’s missing? Look at that sky!
If you enjoy looking at the sky as much as I do, you'll want to check out Sky Watch Friday. You can enjoy skies from around the world!
I Need New Cookie Sheets
I think it's about time to buy new cookie sheets. I used my first set for I don't know how many years, until they got all nasty looking. Then I found some non-stick ones on clearance and bought those. Unfortunately they weren't real high quality so the non-stick coating started coming off pretty quickly. I guess you get what you pay for, huh? The ones I have now started out real nice, but at some point in time my kids didn't dry them properly, and now they rust very easily. That also adds an unpleasant taste to the food, so I am going to have to break down and get some new ones. The question is, what do I buy? Do I just buy the same kind, or do I try to upgrade in the hopes that they will last longer? Maybe even something completely different like this silicone baking sheet?
I'm looking at this infinite circulon bakeware because it says it's designed for frequent use. I do bake a lot, so I want something that will stand up to that and not have to be replaced frequently. I really want to get something that I can use without ever having to worry about it again. At least not for a long time. These circulon steel elite pans come with a lifetime guarantee, so I take that to mean they will last a good long time.
While I was browsing the bakeware, I got distracted by these art and cook utensils in all kinds of fun colors, but I think I've got plenty of utensils. Still, they are kind of fun. What I'm really thinking I want to try is the silicon bakeware. It comes in all kinds of fun colors, too, and it's completely nonstick, odorless, and saves space. If you've tried it, please let me know what you think. Do you like it? What kind of new bakeware should I buy?
I'm looking at this infinite circulon bakeware because it says it's designed for frequent use. I do bake a lot, so I want something that will stand up to that and not have to be replaced frequently. I really want to get something that I can use without ever having to worry about it again. At least not for a long time. These circulon steel elite pans come with a lifetime guarantee, so I take that to mean they will last a good long time.
While I was browsing the bakeware, I got distracted by these art and cook utensils in all kinds of fun colors, but I think I've got plenty of utensils. Still, they are kind of fun. What I'm really thinking I want to try is the silicon bakeware. It comes in all kinds of fun colors, too, and it's completely nonstick, odorless, and saves space. If you've tried it, please let me know what you think. Do you like it? What kind of new bakeware should I buy?
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