A trip to ABC

So there has been some more back and forth with Subaru, who is now insisting on phone calls. Can't imagine why that would be.  Twice I have received emails that say "Please call me at your earliest convenience".  Which means instead of a quick email, I have to wade through at least two automated menus, which are voice or tone activated and very sensitive, and ten minutes of hold music.  Twice while waiting for the correct option, J would start talking triggering the horrid "I didn't understand that response" from the automated menu and forcing me to start all over!  The mute button is my best friend.

Their first response was "we don't feel it's the same issue because each time different parts are being replaced".

To which we responded "We think they're guessing as none of the replaced parts have fixed the issue."

Their offer was the $1500 owner loyalty credit that they offer to all Subaru owners.  Really?  You call that an offer?  Something that's available to all Subaru owners?  After all the issues we've had with the car and going back and forth with you, you think we want to give you more money?

Late last week they came back with a second offer.  Take it to the Subaru dealer of my choice for diagnostics that they'll pay for.  Once they've reviewed the results we'll talk again.

After the last experience I had with XYZ, I decided to take the car to ABC.  When I spoke to them in April they seemed to want to take up the challenge of fixing the car, so I'm giving them the opportunity.  Besides, I don't feel that XYZ wants anything other than more money for random parts.

So I'm off to ABC for my loaner car while they look at mine.  Wish me luck.  I think I'm going to need it!

Things that make you go hmmm

Linking up with Monday Listicles for the 10 things that make me go hmmm.  And yes, this song will be running in an annoying loop in my head all day.

1. Will the check engine light in my car ever go off and stay off?
2. Why can't I ever go to sleep on a Sunday night?
3. Why do I insist on sitting in positions that I know will cause me pain?
4. Why does Murphy's Law always come true?
5. Why is nothing ever where I leave it or thought I left it?
6. Why do cats always try to trip you?
7.  Why do people pass you only to slow way down once they've gone by?
8.  Why is the slowest lane of traffic always the on I am in?
9.  Why are spiders creepy?
10.  Why is there no good way to get rid of an ear worm?

Cookie Monster Party

For L's first birthday we decided to go with a Cookie Monster theme.  He's one of my favorites, and I didn't think an Oscar the Grouch theme would be appropriate.  A trip to the party store during lunch I was able to find Sesame Street invitations, table cover and a 1st Birthday banner.  Another trip to the dollar store and I found blue plates, cups, and party hats.  A run through the craft store and I had googly eyes and glue.

The cake pan was a little more difficult as the Cookie Monster pan isn't made anymore.  I was able to find one on eBay.  Actually, I found two on eBay.  The large Cookie Monster and the small Cookie Monster that we used for the smash cake.

I then used glue to add the googly eyes to the party hats and cups.  

And had them set up on the table with the food.

Since it was mostly adults at the party, a lot of the hats weren't worn, but the boy had a blast!

Show us your life - Kitchen

This week is the second week of Kelly's Korner's Show us your life series.  This week's feature is kitchens.

We do enjoy the spaciousness of our kitchen.  Though this is the other room of the house that still needs some paint.  A few years ago, we painted the living room and kitchen a glossy white from the primered white that it was to buy some time until we finally decided on our colors.

This is the view from the living room.

And from the dining room....

And from the utility room...

The tv is hooked up through the living room tv to be a monitor of whatever is on in there.

Our cluttered coffee bar.  We drink different coffee, so we have two coffee makers.

The window sill holds knick knacks and memorabilia.  The shot glass below was purchased on our honeymoon.

So that's pretty much it.  I know it was quick tour, but we have company from the other coast coming in a matter of hours, so I really need to get back to work.

Yummy Mummy Meme

I was tagged by MrsJC for a meme started by Busybeemummybex.

Please post the rules:

• When answering the questions, give as much detail as possible, it's all about the finer details.
• Leave a comment here or add to the linky.
• Tag three or more people and link to them on your blog.
• Tweet #yummymummy when sharing on Twitter. 

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?  Go to the bathroom.

Do you shower daily?  Are you an early morning shower or evening bath type?  Weekdays, daily early morning.  Weekends, during nap unless we need to go somewhere sooner.

Do you wear make up daily?  No.

What's in your make up bag?  Some very dusty Bare Minerals.

When you're having a slummy mummy day what do you normally wear?  Yoga pants, tshirt and sweatshirt if it's cold.

Nails - how often do you get them done?  By someone else maybe a couple of times a year.  Maybe.  By myself, lately a couple times a month.

Your top tip for tired eyes?  Sleep.

Are you a Starbucks or Costa Coffee kind of girl?  I've never heard of Costa Coffee and I'm not a fan of Starbucks.  Dunkin Donuts is my go to.

How many children do you have/want and why?    2.  I think we're good.  They keep us plenty busy.

What is your favorite place to shop for babies/children's clothes?  Babies R US clearance racks.

Flats or heels?  Your everyday shoes are...?  For work, it's usually a chunky heel.  Otherwise, comfort mocs.

The 3 people I'm tagging to do this are:

@cupcakemumma11

Bonkers in Barnhart aka @doodlebug40

@mommy_padawan

Thomas!

So I guess we'll be taking a day trip to NH in July.  While researching activities for our August vacation, I came across this.  A Day out with Thomas.  A train ride with Thomas, Sir Topham Hatt, and lots of activities.  As the husband said, L will crap his pants.  We realize that he already does this, but not usually from excitement.  I can not wait to see his face!

On a sadder note, Heritage New Hampshire no longer exists.  I loved that place.  Especially the echo room.

10 Summer Memories

This week's topic for Monday Listicles is 10 Summer Memories.  I had originally planned to use some older memories, but the weekend got away from me and I didn't have time to scan.


2011: Last year visiting the wildlife park.  Bears!  Oh my!

2010:  Hanging with our rebel.

2009:  Rusty (the dog) moves in much to the cats dismay.

2008:  Former patio becomes deck.

 2007:  A deer in the yard.  Ok, this actually happens a lot.  The deer in the yard that lets me take a picture before scampering away, does not happen a lot.

2006: Our wedding.

2005:  Building our house.

2004:  The (now) teenager's first soccer game.  This was the only year he played.

2003:  Our trip to Santa's Village and Mount Washington.

2000ish:  Sadly, I'm not sure of the year of this photo.  The (now) teenager used to love the riding mower.  As you can see, we have plenty of room ride.  He didn't actually mow at that age without an adult.