Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Last minute details
The wedding is getting very close now and time seems to speed up the closer we get to the big day. Decorating is just about all that is left before the rehearsal on Friday evening. I will remind all of our out of town guests that there is a local map on the right side of the page under "Wedding Links" to help you get around the area. We look forward to seeing everyone and apologize in advance for not being able to spend as much time visiting as we would like.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Digital TV transition (update)
update: added antenna review below
You may be completely unaware, completely confused, or somewhere in between of the upcoming digital TV transition. There are lots of good resources out there so I will just hit some of the high points.
1. You are only affected if you currently receive your tv with an antenna.
2. If you use an antenna and haven't purchased a new tv in the last couple of years you will need a converter box.
3. Uncle Sam will give you $40 to spend on a converter box
4. You have to request a coupon(s) by the end of the month.
website for coupons https://www.dtv2009.gov/
more details http://reviews.cnet.com/dtv-transition/
Quick antenna review:
I just bought a new indoor antenna. The Terk HDTVa was my choice. I had been using a Phillips antenna. The Terk is better for several reasons. First, it allows me to pick up the same stations I did before, but now I don't have to adjust the antenna depending on which station I want to watch. Second, the main analog station (which will cease to exist after Feb. 17) that I watch comes in clearer. Third, I now can more reliably pick up the 4 PBS stations that only worked on occasion. The Phillips will now be moved to the bedroom so that Stefanie can watch the news or weather (when it storms) and should work just fine for that. (NBC has a very strong signal and should work well throughout the house) One other note. Both of these antennas are amplified (they must be plugged in) and I believe that this has made a big difference for me since the towers are up to 45 miles away. You can see what stations you should pick up by putting your address in at www.antennaweb.org. Best Buy carries the Terk antenna, but it is much cheaper on Amazon.com
You may be completely unaware, completely confused, or somewhere in between of the upcoming digital TV transition. There are lots of good resources out there so I will just hit some of the high points.
1. You are only affected if you currently receive your tv with an antenna.
2. If you use an antenna and haven't purchased a new tv in the last couple of years you will need a converter box.
3. Uncle Sam will give you $40 to spend on a converter box
4. You have to request a coupon(s) by the end of the month.
website for coupons https://www.dtv2009.gov/
more details http://reviews.cnet.com/dtv-transition/
Quick antenna review:
I just bought a new indoor antenna. The Terk HDTVa was my choice. I had been using a Phillips antenna. The Terk is better for several reasons. First, it allows me to pick up the same stations I did before, but now I don't have to adjust the antenna depending on which station I want to watch. Second, the main analog station (which will cease to exist after Feb. 17) that I watch comes in clearer. Third, I now can more reliably pick up the 4 PBS stations that only worked on occasion. The Phillips will now be moved to the bedroom so that Stefanie can watch the news or weather (when it storms) and should work just fine for that. (NBC has a very strong signal and should work well throughout the house) One other note. Both of these antennas are amplified (they must be plugged in) and I believe that this has made a big difference for me since the towers are up to 45 miles away. You can see what stations you should pick up by putting your address in at www.antennaweb.org. Best Buy carries the Terk antenna, but it is much cheaper on Amazon.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
Early Christmas Present
Consider these your early (and probably only) Christmas cards. Please don't question my orientation. Enjoy.
Send your own ElfYourself eCards
Send your own ElfYourself eCards
Send your own ElfYourself eCards
Send your own ElfYourself eCards
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Pay it Forward
In the mornings I usually have my alarm set to radio. For the last couple of months, the dial has been tuned to KLRC, the local Christian radio station. While Christian radio sometimes bugs me, I have come to appreciate the positive message, especially when I am starting my day. Lately they have been promoting their "Pay it Forward" campaign and I have heard some cool stories about what people are doing. Anything from giving away gently used furniture after an upgrade, to free firewood for a family that can't afford to buy propane, has crossed the airwaves. I challenge you (and myself) to check out their blog for ideas big and small (Thursday has been declared "Drive Thru Difference Day") on how you can pay it forward. To top it off, tonight was the last lesson in our Financial Peace Class and we talked about giving. It is really fun to think about (and hear stories about) the great joy that comes from giving. Ultimately, that is the point of the class. Being able to put yourself in a financial position where you can use God's money to truly bless people (Dave teaches to always give, even when getting out of debt) can be very rewarding and a ton of fun. I look forward to the day when I can write a check for $5,000 or more to help a strugling couple, pay for a stranger's hospital bills, or tell my kids that college is taken care of. Let your imagination run wild and learn to give as God has given.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Closing In
The wedding is just over 1 month away and we are anxiously anticipating the big day. Stress will continue to build until it is over, but hopefully will ease as final decisions are made. Tonight Stefanie got to work on some of the church decorations and later we are meeting with Marshall to talk about the service. The honeymoon is all taken care of and the beach is looking better every day. (I am looking for good books to read while soaking up the sun, by the way.) Until then, we will keep chugging along on different things (we hope to have most stuff wrapped up by Thanksgiving) and look forward to enjoying the Holidays with family.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Achievements
I know that Scott won't post this, so I have to myself. I am so proud of him. For the past few weeks Scott has been studying for a test in order to become a LEED Accredited Professional. His office is wanting as many of them as possible to get this certification. I'm not exactly certain of what all it entails, but being a LEED Accredited Professional means that you are aware of what it takes to make a building "green". Scott obviously knows more about it than I do, so ask him if you have any questions. I just wanted to let everyone know of his great achievement this past Thursday!! Again, I am so proud of him! He works so hard, & when he sets his mind to something, he achieves it. What a wonderful quality!
On another note, today is Scott's 25th birthday!!! WOW! I cannot believe that we are getting into our mid-20s. My mom said the other day that she had a really hard time when she turned 25, just knowing that she was a quarter of a century. (She was kidding...somewhat, I think.) Haha! I told her that I wasn't as concerned with 25 as I was with 30. The closer I get there, the younger it looks. :) Tonight, I will be cooking Scott dinner (he's requested tacos), & maybe some sort of birthday dessert like a cookie/ice cream sandwich or just ice cream from the local ice cream shoppe. I'll let Scott decide which he'd prefer. Happy Birthday, my love!!! :)
One more thing & I promise that I'm finished. Last weekend was our wedding shower at Church. I honestly didn't know how many people to expect (the pessimist in me thought there would be less than 10). I was completely wrong! There was a wonderful turnout, & I feel so blessed to be a part of our wonderful Church family. To everyone who came, THANK YOU SO MUCH! You will all be receiving thank you notes in the near future. With less than 36 days to go until the wedding, my list is getting a lot shorter yet I'm still stressed out. haha! You will get those thank you cards, though. I promise! Thanks again! We love you all!
On another note, today is Scott's 25th birthday!!! WOW! I cannot believe that we are getting into our mid-20s. My mom said the other day that she had a really hard time when she turned 25, just knowing that she was a quarter of a century. (She was kidding...somewhat, I think.) Haha! I told her that I wasn't as concerned with 25 as I was with 30. The closer I get there, the younger it looks. :) Tonight, I will be cooking Scott dinner (he's requested tacos), & maybe some sort of birthday dessert like a cookie/ice cream sandwich or just ice cream from the local ice cream shoppe. I'll let Scott decide which he'd prefer. Happy Birthday, my love!!! :)
One more thing & I promise that I'm finished. Last weekend was our wedding shower at Church. I honestly didn't know how many people to expect (the pessimist in me thought there would be less than 10). I was completely wrong! There was a wonderful turnout, & I feel so blessed to be a part of our wonderful Church family. To everyone who came, THANK YOU SO MUCH! You will all be receiving thank you notes in the near future. With less than 36 days to go until the wedding, my list is getting a lot shorter yet I'm still stressed out. haha! You will get those thank you cards, though. I promise! Thanks again! We love you all!
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