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Archive for November, 2009

November 7th, 2009

dear apple…

Dear Apple,

I know you kinda have a big head about yourself…I understand.  You love that you have smart commercials razzin’ on PC users, you love that you can make a huge profit off your overpriced machines, and you love that your stores became the place-to-be for young high schoolers who were too young to crash the bars. All that said though, I think you need a little reality check.

First of all, if your product is so superior to the competition, why do I still have problems with iTunes every 3rd or 4th version? And why does my iPod randomly freak out and freeze up? Or, why do you need those commercials to convince me you’re my best option…don’t your machines sell themselves? Cause apparently that’s what you said.

Not only that, but when problems do arise, why can’t I just come talk to you in person? Why do I have to go online to make an appointment? Ahead of time?  Which on a side note – if you have that many people coming in for tech support that you have to have people schedule in advance and you don’t have openings for days at a time – is your product really that superior?

I have to admit I was a little annoyed that your sales rep seemed so put out when I informed her I needed to make an appointment to have my iPod looked at and she told me to do it online and I said, I can’t – I’m driving in the car and I don’t have access to the internet. I said, can’t I just make the appointment over the phone? I know, I had some gall to ask an Apple employee if I could do something NOT over the internet, but please – we’re not all iPhone addicts.

Speaking of which – what’s up with the AT&T/iPhone exclusivity contract?

apple logo

And while we are speaking of exclusivity – I gotta admit I’m tired of re-signing my iTunes user agreement EVERY SINGLE TIME I make a song purchase. I also think that it’s a little messed up that I own the songs, yet you’ve formatted them so I can ONLY play them in your jacked up music library iTunes or on my iPod. What if I want to play them on Windows Media Player? Or, Lord forbid, an MP3 player that’s NOT an iPod??? Shouldn’t I have that right? I mean, I PAID for the songs.  I think I am entitled to use the songs however I please…which is why I have recently stopped making purchases from you.  Gasp!

I have been using Amazon.com to buy music and download it. That way, I can play it on any music playing device/computer I choose.  I gotta admit it’s a really simple process and I appreciate not having to sign away the rights to my first born child should I choose to use the music in other applications.  Amazon makes it super easy to copy the music I purchase and upload it into my iTunes, so I can play it on my iPod too.

So now, I’m not at your mercy for my music. How do you like them apples?

November 7th, 2009

Bird Watching

On Bianca’s most recent visit to Florida we decided to head over to the local Hobby Lobby to gather some creative ideas for the wedding. Our top priority on this outing was boutonniere ideas. Neither of us are fans of the typical and traditional but I think she might have got more than she bargained for when she said yes to my proposal (might have had something to do with her tunnel vision on that ring). Needless to say, any mundane thing can turn into an adventure when I’m around…

thomas and a bird 2

“This one is nice huh? Pretty simple, not too flashy. Oh yeah, the blue isn’t one of the wedding colors. Good call. Ok, I’ll keep looking sweetheart…”

thomas and a bird 4

“What about this one? It’s white, and really beautiful babe. I love how it just looks like it’s going to take me and fly away. I feel like this could really be the one. Ok, you’re right, better not get settled on one just yet, I’ll keep looking around to make sure I can’t find something better. Never know what else we might find…”

thomas and a bird 3

“BABE! Check this out! Man am I glad you suggested we keep looking! Look At THIS!! It’s perfect! It has the green to go with the wedding colors and everything! If we go with this one we will have to get one for both of our dad’s as well. If my dad saw this and didn’t get to wear one I think he would get pretty jealous… Ok, I’ll keep looking with you, but I’m gonna put this one in the basket…”

thomas and a bird 5

“Hey, here’s a good possibility. It’s got a lot of personality and I think if we just colored the blue spots white it would look pretty freakin’ awesome! And with the feather’s hanging off the back it’s kinda like a male version of the bride’s train on her dress. I could see this starting a whole new trend in modern weddings. I think Martha Stewart would give this idea 2 thumbs up! No?! Hmmmm, something  a bit more simplistic and not so colorful huh…”

thomas with wedding doves

“Ok, Wedding Doves it is. Now it’s time for me to fly….”

November 7th, 2009

blueberry pancakes

The other night I was watching  2 of the 3 boys.  We’re big fans of the breakfast for dinner phenomena so we decided to make pancakes.

Knowing that I have a flair for all things unique and different, I decided regular pancakes weren’t going to cut it!  I looked in the fridge and the freezer to see what I could add to the mix.  I spotted a Ziploc bag full of frozen blueberries on one of the shelves…perfect!

blueberry pancakes collage 1

These pancakes are very simple to make.  Simply prepare the batter according to directions, and then add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of frozen, slightly thawed blueberries.  Give it a quick stir to mix them evenly and then make according to the directions.

Because the blueberries might be mixed unevenly, I prefer to scoop the batter with a measuring cup – making sure to get some blueberries in it.  Then I pour it onto the hot griddle and wait until there are plenty of bubbles forming in the batter. Once the bubbles are all over the pancake, flip it over for about another 30-45 seconds.

Blueberry pancakes collage 2

Pancakes should be golden in color and the blueberries may be oozing a little juice.  Serve hot with blueberry syrup for that extra kick!

Homemade Blueberry Pancakes

Breakfast. It’s what’s for dinner.