Grease Monkey

I got an oil change on my lunch break today. I headed over to the Valvoline Instant Oil Change near the place that I work. I like them. They get you in and out usually within 20 minutes. Today was no different in that regard. However, the experience with one of the attendants annoyed me to no end. Her name was Dawn. My biggest problem with her was when she came by to greet me and find out what service I needed. This is pretty much how the conversation went:

Dawn: Hi.
Me: Hi. I'd like an oil change, please.
Dawn: Ok. (She grabs a pamphlet.) Um, we have this really good synthetic oil. (She points to the picture of the can of oil on the top of the chart.) Would you like to have that? It's $69.99.
Me: That's ok. I'd just like to have the cheapest oil please.
Dawn: Oh. Well, the synthetic oil is the best. How much driving do you do?
Me: I really just want the cheapest oil.
Dawn: Because I do a lot of stop and start driving and I would really recommend this synthetic oil.
Me: That's ok. What's the cheapest oil that you have?
Dawn: (Looking at the pamplet.) Um, we have this other semi-synthetic oil. It's also very good. (She points the the 3rd can of oil on the list.) This one is $49.99.
Me: Is that your cheapest?
Dawn: Um, no. We don't really recommend that one.
Me: You don't recommend your cheapest oil?
Dawn: Uh, no. We don't really recommend using that one.
Me: What's wrong with it?
Dawn: Oh, nothing. It's our conventional oil.
Me: Isn't that what I've used every other time I've come here?
Dawn: (She turned to look at my chart.) Um, yeah. (Giggle) But I would really have to recommend that you use a synthetic oil.
Me: How much is the conventional oil?
Dawn: $31.99
Me: I'll take that.
Dawn: Ok...

Later she brought over my mostly white air filter and tried to get me to spend another $21.99 on a new one. My car is only 18 months old. I think the air filter was just fine. I also believe that the conventional motor oil is perfectly fine. I have a simple 4-cylinder vehicle. I don't need fancy, expensive oil. And besides, if it really wasn't any good, then they wouldn't be selling it.

Poconos Here We Come!

It seems that our once reliable realtor on the Cape has fallen into disarray. Every week they call us with bad news about our cottage rental. "It isn't for rent anymore... how about another one instead... you're all set... oops, no, that one's been rented out from under you... oh, how about the original cottage, they seem to magically be renting again... "

Well, we've grown tired of the stress and being jerked around. So we're done with them. We loved it there, but someone is obviously trying to tell us something. So we're going to the Poconos instead! There's a lovely home on Lake Naomi that has our name written all over it. We'll sign the papers today and get them in the mail. Here is a photo of our new summer "home."

We think it will be perfect for the kids. They have a community center on the lake with 3 pools, (indoor and outdoor), game room, tennis courts, basketball courts, hot tubs, a lounge, a restaurant, oh and did I mention that it's on a lake? And the house comes with a fun row boat! Alex will love going fishing. It's also only about an hour from my parents house, so they can come for dinner sometime! I think it sounds perfect.

Vote for Jenny!

It's Super Tuesday here in NY. And in honor of Super Tuesday, I have an election for you! The choice is easy here, no issues at stake, no party lines to cross and you don't even have to leave your seat. It's the "Bissell Vacuum Most Valuable Pet Photo Contest". And our little Jenny has been entered. (Along with 15,000 other pets...) Anyway, all you have to do is follow THIS LINK and vote for Jenny. Click on the "J-M" link and look for "Jenny". She's number 1903. If we win, we will get a new vacuum! And with all the hair that this little dog sheds, I am in dire need of one. So please help!! You can only vote once per name/email. So please pass the word to anyone and everyone that you know. Voting lasts for a week. Thanks!!

Ouch.

That hurt. I'm not sure which was more difficult, the loss or having to pick up a sobbing, hysterical Alex off the floor to take him home.

Good game Giants and congratulations on your win. And as a seasoned Red Sox fan, I just have to say "There's always next year!" Good season. We'll get 'em next time. On an up note, we had a terrific time at the party we went to. Our hosts were wonderful. Alex even won a prize in the "squares" game. I'll post some photos later...

15 days until baseball players report to Spring Training!

Update: Here are the photos from the Super Bowl party.

Super Sunday!

It's finally here! Super Bowl Sunday. Pre-game has already started. I made cookies for the party. Decorated the plate of cookies with little Patriots/Giants flags. (Thanks for the idea Amy!) I washed my Patriots shirt. I think we're ready to go!

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GO PATRIOTS!!

Iced

Yesterday was quite a weather day. I think we had a little bit of everything. Except sunshine. As I drove home last night, I was noticing all the trees were covered in ice. This is from the tree in our front yard. I thought for sure we would lose power because it was supposed to rain/freeze/snow all night. But thankfully that didn't happen. Temperatures are hovering around 32-34 degrees. Hoping it stays above freezing and the ice will melt from the trees. The driveway is a mess though. I didn't think the ice/water/sludge would go well through the snow blower. I will have to get out and shovel it today.

Big weekend ahead... This afternoon, Eric & I are going to his sister-in-law's house to help celebrate her birthday. And tomorrow is the BIG DAY! Super Bowl Sunday. We've been invited to a fun Super Bowl party! I believe that both sides will be well represented. Should be an interesting evening! I'm sure I will have photos and stories. Go Patriots!!

Freezing Rain Friday

All schools are closed. I can hear the freezing rain/sleet on the windows, and it's coming down pretty hard. I'm thinking this might be a very long day! I hope we don't lose power. Good luck driving out there everyone! At least it's Friday.

Last night was day 4 of "Turn off the TV week. Alex and I watched a travel video about Ireland. (Destination Travel Guide: Ireland) Ian Wright was our "host". I love his travel videos, he's such a goof. Alex really relates to him too. And he really has a lot of fun with his travels. Alex now wants to ride a bicycle in the rain down a beaten path through Southwest Ireland. Hopefully someday we'll get to Ireland to fulfull his new dream...