Haircut

Yesterday, we gave Kyle a haircut!! When I asked him if he wanted to get a haircut, he ran his hand through his hair and tried to say "haircut." In the past, I would ask him if he wanted a haircut and run my hands through his hair and make a buzzing sound (like the clippers we use). It was so surprising that he remembered and understood what we were asking.

Candy

This weekend, we learned how to sign "candy" and taught it to Kyle. He learned that word really fast. We also noticed Kyle is now knodding "yes" and "no" and knows when to use them. He seems to use either one when we ask him questions! He has also pointed at things he wants, but we're not sure if he can use it all the time.

2:30am Sunday

Well, I learned my lesson! While at the dinner party, I drank about two glasses of Pepsi! I don't normally drink soda or even Pepsi, but I was thirsty. Now, I can't sleep! I did some reading for fun and reading for college though. I am trying to stay a bit ahead in college by working on assignments a week early. So far, so good! My first class is Psychology and it is mainly about learning about yourself and getting the hang of college. There are times that I get discouraged, but I remind myself why I want my Bachelor's degree.

Dinner Party

Our neighbors invited us to a dinner party hosted by their church group and I decided I wanted to go.  Shannon wanted to stay at home with Kyle.  The dinner party was held at a restaurant in their banquet room.  I wasn't sure of the dress attire, so I wore a "business casual" outfit.  Thankfully, I wasn't over dressed or under dressed.  The dress was mixed between relaxed to business casual.

 Everyone was super friendly and welcoming.  The dinner was open to family and friends of the members of the group.  They did their prayers and songs and the dinner was a buffet style.  All I ate was green beans, macaroni and cheese, and hush puppies.  I also had Pepsi as I was really thirsty.  I had about two glasses and then I had water after that. 

First Day of College

Today is the first day of college for me.  This weekend, I logged in early and did my required discussion questions and response, as did other students.  I also read the first chapter and took notes over the weekend. I took the quiz this morning and it made me realize what type of notes I need to take.  I did score a 9 out of 10 though!

Kyle is back at school after a three day weekend.  With him being at school, it gave me a chance to do  my college work. 

 

Plants, snow, iPad update

I received my new air plants on Saturday!  Once I opened them, I put them in water to let them soak for about 30 minutes.  I think the best way to water my new plants is to soak them a few times a week in water for 30 minutes.  Misting may not be enough for them.

I am also downsizing on my houseplants as I hope to have more air plants since they don't require soil.  Soil is messy! 

We had our first snow fall yesterday!  Kyle loved watching the snow fall!  He just stood by the windows and looked outside.  They were predicting 1-3 inches of snow.  This morning, we woke up to snow covering the grass, rooftops, and cars!  Thankfully, today was already a scheduled day off from school for Kyle so they didn't have to miss any school.  We'll see about tomorrow.

I am warming up to my iPad!  I see it as a quick way to turn on the computer to access the internet.  I use it in the living room, if I don't want to turn on my desktop and sit in a separate room from Shannon. 

Grocery Shopping

Yesterday, we went to Walmart while Kyle was at school.  It's easier for us to shop without Kyle there since he likes to pull things from the shelves that he wants such as cookies and other sweets!  It is really easy to buy too much when he's around.

This time around, I noticed that both Shannon and I were being frugal with the brands and products we were buying.  I chose the store brand eggs, rather than the eggs I normally buy that are a healthier option.  I also try not to buy too many snack foods and stick with foods for meals.  Shannon usually buys Starbucks coffee, but this time he bought Folgers.  When we walked by the Starbucks display I asked him why he didn't get that brand and he said, "well, look at how expensive it is."  So, we're both working on being conscious about about the money we spend at the grocery store. 

I have even thought about buying cow's milk instead of almond milk, but I'm unsure if I can stand the taste of it.  

 

Received my iPad

I received my iPad yesterday and couldn't wait to open it up and start playing with it.  I only played with it for less than 2 hours.  Honestly, it's a nice product but I'm glad we didn't purchase this with our own money.  My husband and I are unemployed and have been for over 2 years.  An iPad is not what is necessary for us to survive right now. 

We are not privy to the cell phones of today with internet, camera phones and Siri -- which is fascinating.  Our cell phone is basic, it makes and receives calls and does basic text messaging.  We use it for emergencies only. 

The iPad is perfect for a business person or someone who works and is on the go.  The iPad is also great for "on the go."  I didn't like having to type on the keyboard with my two pointer fingers!  Also, the iPad is nice for those who have only ONE email address, which I do not.  I have several accounts for different reasons. 

Although, since we love to travel, the iPad is great to bring on the road.  I hope that when we're on the road and we need to use the internet, we can stop at a place with free wi-fi to look up what we need.

 

Air Plant = Oxymoron

When I told Shannon that I wanted to try growing air plants, he laughed and said that they sound like an oxymoron.  I am fascinated by air plants because of how they can be displayed!

Air plants are the common name for Tillandsia.  I am interested in these type of plants for their versatility and the fact that they do not require soil to grow!  No mess!  They can be grown hanging from the wall, upside down or in a decorative container. 

I found a vendor I really like and they are located in Florida.  I finally bought two air plants.  They will look similar to the ones below:

I bought two seashells and they each come with a plant.  You can also grow air plants in glass globes:

I can't wait to receive my plants!  I plan on displaying them on my computer desk so I can look at them while I work and study!

 

Kyle's measurements

At his appointment, Kyle was weighed and measured.  At 6 years old, he is 42 pounds and 46 inches tall! 

 

Medicine = Candy?

Kyle does not like taking medicine, especially if it's liquid.  He would never be able to take a pill either.  We do know he likes his gummy vitamins.  When it comes to medicine, we are hesitant to try them with Kyle because we know he won't take them.  The doctor suggested Benadryl that comes in strips that melt on your tongue.  I couldn't find that type at the store, so I bought a chewable Benadryl.  I wasn't sure if he would take it, so I made a big scene with it.  I asked (Kyle's) Daddy if he wanted some CANDY!?  Of course, that catches Kyle's attention.  Shannon and I make a big production out of the candy.  As Shannon is opening up the "candy" he pretends to bring it to his mouth and Kyle snatches it out of his hand to eats it right up!

We do what we have to do to get him to take Benadryl so his hives will go away! 

Went to doctor

We sent Kyle to school yesterday, even though he still have hives. I also sent him to school with a note letting the teacher know about his hives and if needed, we could come pick him up. The school nurse only comes in on Wednesdays and they decided that we should take him home.  Kyle loves school so much, he didn't want to leave, so he was unhappy for a few hours after we got home.

I called to make an appointment for Kyle yesterday and she was able to fit him in this morning at 9am.  Luckily he is still on Medicaid, but since moving here, we hadn't set him up with a new doctor.  The doctor confirmed it was hives and recommended Benadryl.  I also asked for a doctor's note since the school asked for one.

I chose the same doctor that both Shannon and I have already been to.  He recognized me immediately, probably because he's asian and there are not a lot of asians around here!  

Back in college

I literally spent the last 3-4 weeks researching every other online college/university that I could find that offered a Bachelor's Degree Program in Sociology.  When I compared them to Ashford University, none of them even came close.  All of them wanted me to obtain my own school transcripts (Ashford University did that for me).  The other colleges said that books were not included with tuition, while Ashford University's tuition includes books. 

This weekend, I was able to chat online with an admissions counselor and I asked her if I would be able to be reinstated as a student at Ashford University.  After looking at my account, she said that I could and referred me to my former counselor.  I emailed my counselor last night and she emailed me back today.  After a few emails, I decided to start school next Tuesday!

She sent me my login info as well.  I am so ready to start college.  I'm nervous, but excited.  I was able to look at my schedule and it looks like my graduation date is in mid-2014!!  I am very pleased with that as it was originally stating December 2015 when I first decided to attend Ashford University in January.  I only have 16 General Eduation classes to take before I can start my major courses. 

There are many reasons why I want to pursue my Bachelor's Degree and I am really looking forward to being back in college.

Rental car update

Shannon returned the rental car this morning.  I also blogged about our experience with Enterprise's customer service here.

The great thing is that we have our car back!  It looks nice.  Although, we have to bring it back in two weeks for a "touch up" on the roof, the trunk, and on the gas flap. 

Flat tire

Last Friday, our car was supposed to be ready to pick up at Maaco. Shannon called them in the afternoon and they told him that they would call him first thing tomorrow (Saturday). Well, it turns out that they are closed on Saturdays and when he called, it just rang and rang. He then called Enterprise to extend our reservation until Monday and they agreed.

Just to get out of the house, we like to go on short drives around the city.  It's nice to get out of the house considering we get bored at home and we don't have a place to go every day.  Today was just that, we wanted to go out for a drive.  Well, as soon as we pulled out of the parking lot of our complex, we noticed that the rental wasn't driving as smoothly as it should.  Then a yellow warning light went on and thankfully we don't live too far from a gas station and pulled in there.  Shannon saw that one of the tires was flat. Thankfully, I brought our pre-paid free government supported cell phone with us so Shannon could call Enterprise. 

I walked Kyle home.  He was fine on the way home until we passed the playground and we had to stop there to play.  It's freezing cold outside so I didn't want to stay out too long.  As we got closer to home, he started having a fit.  He was set on going in the car for a ride (he loves that).  When things don't go the way they're supposed to, he will have a tantrum and scream! 

Shannon called me a few minutes after we arrived home to tell me that he gave them our home number since he doesn't know the cell number.  This is just one of the times that I wish we both had our own cell phones to where we can communicate via text or phone any time!  I am just glad I brought the cell phone because I almost didn't since we rarely use it.  The only reason I bring it is "just in case."

Hives, heat rash or chickenpox! Oh my!

Last night, after Kyle fell asleep, I decided to get up and watch some television. He woke a few hours later and I noticed as we were going to lay down again that he had red spots on his skin. The redness was in various spots. While he has eczema, this is not look like eczema. I quickly called Shannon into the bedroom to look. I told him that I think it's hives and he thinks it's a heat rash. He also had red hives on his thigh that he was scratching.

Since he has eczema, I have ruled out any new detergent, lotion and soaps that I use on him.  The products I have used aren't new to him.  

Now we're not sure if it could be chickenpox.

I won an iPad 2!!!

I checked my email this morning and was notified that I had won an iPad 2 from a giveaway that I entered on a blog.  At first, I wasn't sure if it was even real mainly because the email she used is not an email address I use for giveaways.  However, with the system that is used, we can login with Facebook and that's the email address she contacted me at, the email address I use on Facebook. 

I love entering giveaways and even hosting giveaways...but to actually win a high ticket item is incredible!  There were a total of 47606 in this giveaway.  I am still in shock but so excited!  It will be delivered this week!  

Here are the iPad 2 Features: 

• 16gb storage
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
• Back camera: Video recording, HD (720p) up to 30 frames per second with audio; still camera with 5x digital zoom
• Front camera: Video recording, VGA up to 30 frames per second with audio; VGA-quality still camera
• Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music
• Charging via power adapter or USB to computer system
• Audio formats supported: HE-AAC (V1 and V2), AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV
• AirPlay Mirroring to Apple TV support at 720p

In the box:

• iPad
• Dock Connector to USB Cable
• 10W USB Power Adapter
• Documentation

Table Lamps

The first week we were in our apartment, we quickly realized we needed lamps.  The bedrooms and living room are not equipped with light fixtures.   We do have fixtures in the bathroom (above the mirror) and in the kitchen (there are two light fixtures).  The first week, we went to Walmart to buy bathroom towels, bath mats, bedsheets and bedspread, and two floor lamps.  Since then, the items we bought from Walmart are showing wear and tear and breaking.  The lamp in the living room was on it's last leg for the longest time, mostly due to Kyle.  Last night, the lamp broke so we ended up going to the mall to walk around (for exercise) and also look at lamps.  We found ones that we liked and I let Shannon have the final decision on which ones to get since he has good taste in home furnishings. 

We still want to get 2 floor lamps in the same design or similar. 

We ended up buying 2 table lamps that are really nice looking.  They were $27 each. 

New paint for car

When Shannon went to pick up the rental car on Saturday, he left our car parked in the Maaco parking lot over the weekend.  This morning, we drove over to Maaco to drop the keys off.  Our car will be ready on Friday. 

Walmart was busy!

We went grocery shopping at Walmart this afternoon.  We thought it was odd that it was busy around 3pm - 4pm.  We didn't expect the afternoon to be busy.  On the way home, we realized it was Friday and then I remembered that the Super Bowl is this weekend (I think?).

Anyway, we bought our usual groceries but also tried to be frugal about what food we bought. 

Getting the car repainted

Our car has been losing it's color.  The color has been fading and looking rusted in some places.  Today, we went to a "custom auto painting" place that quoted us $1500 or so.  He was honest with us and suggested Maaco and they may quote us $500.  He also stated that, "you get what you pay for."  He explained that Maaco's work may last a few years but his would last much longer!  We decided to go to Maaco because of the cost and many other reasons. 

Maaco's final price is $572.69 and that's with taxes and fees included!  So we made an appointment to bring it in on Monday and it will be ready on Friday!  We then stopped at Enterprise Rent a Car to rent a car for all of next week. 

Lucky Money

This morning, while waiting for the bus, our neighbors gave us "lucky chinese money."  He said that parents give that to their kids for Chinese New Year!  It's real currancy from China but I just looked up how much 10 Yuans is worth in US Dollars...  $1.59

I hope this is "lucky money" as I am saving it and keeping it above my desk.