Sunday, November 23, 2008

My Recent Dose of Self-Help

Today Tooheyworld, the TooheyBugs and I went for a drive to Holyoke. I wanted to get Tooheyworld his birthday present, early. I wanted to have him come just incase there was a different or better one that he may have wanted.
What was it? A Record Player. The house is filled with a very impressive selection and collection of Records. 
The problem: They look great sitting on the shelf, but would sound even better being listened to and enjoyed.
Solution: Get a Record Player
So we went to Bed Bath and Beyond and looked at this Record Player. I have been doing research about a recordable one for a while now, and through my searching, I found this one to be the "best" and a decent price, too. I thought it would be perfect. It looked like an old radio but had today's technology and conveniences built into it. It had a Casette Tape player, which I thought recorded from Casette to CD; Tooheyworld doesn't think you can. 
We have a nice set of Bose Speakers at home, I thought records would sound great on them; Tooheyworld said that it wouldn't be able to plug into the speakers at home.
And the most important feature? It records Records onto CD.
So, my plan backfired. Although the excitement and curiosity levels were great; the plan, not so much. 
He looked at the other kind that they have. The kind that is only a Record Player, but with USB. In other words, it has to be connected to the computer, because it records Records through the computer. It doesn't just record right onto a CD, kind of like an extra step, but missing a few luxuries. 
I could be wrong about this. So, if you have a suggestion or comment about this topic, I want to hear what you have to say.
So, we left and went over to Circuit City to see what they had. We found two of the USB kinds and none of the Old Fashioned kind. 
But I see as I sit here writing this post and going to the websites to get the links, they have a way better selection online than in store stock. Why is that? There are just some things you want to see, touch and feel before purchasing it. Which is why online shopping isn't for everything.
He wanted to think about which one to pick and think about it, so we walked around for a bit. We let each of the TooheyBugs pick out a Wii game. Jacob got Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots and Daniela got a Bratz The Movie one. Shawn got 2 CD's. FYI; one CD is listed for $12.99 online and we paid $9.99 at the store, so we saved $3.00 and the Wii games were originally $29.99 and $39.99 and we paid $19.99 each. So, that is a savings of $30.00 for the Wii games. That's $33.00 total saved. 
I wanted to go to Barnes & Noble to see if they had the book I have been looking for for a few months now. 
It is always out of stock when I go stop in at Borders. I have had them special order it for me, but both times, I couldn't get there to pick it up. So they end up putting it on the shelf and selling it. It was almost driving me crazy. Why is this book always sold out? 
So, we walked around for a bit. There must have been a Book Club or Study Group going on, because the cafetaria part was fully occupied; No Vacancies. 
Barnes & Noble seems to me like it would be the perfect place to hold a Book Club. Speaking of Book Clubs, does anyone know of any in the Springfield, MA area or surrounding areas? I am interested in joining a Book Club.
While exploring and sifting through books, the kids needed to use the bathroom, as usual when we get to anywhere, all the time, at every stop. Why do kids need to do this?
So, we went up the escalator and let them use the bathroom. We waited outside of the door for them. When they came out, we walked over to the Self-Help section. That is my most favorite section. I was looking through seeing if I could find that book. I didn't see it. So I went over to the computers that you search for a book on. It said that it had one in stock. I asked an employee to tell me where to get that book. He told me that they had one and that it must be inside of a box or behind a box; or something like that. I was hoping that their inventory was right and that I wasn't getting my hopes up for nothing. I asked him politely if he could find that book, and he did. It was even more awesome because I went there to get that book knowing it was going to be around $20 and I was willing to pay what they were asking for it because I wanted it so desperately at this point. When he gave it to me, it said $4.95! How awesome was that? Barnes & Noble's website wants $19.96 for the hardcover edition and I only paid $4.95 at the store. I saved $15.01 total. How exciting!
And in the meantime of waiting for him to tell me if he found it or not, I found another book that caught my eye and called out to me. And, I have been Organizationally Challenged for quite some years now. It began before Daniela was born, but after I was pregnant with her. I think it was because of everyone giving me baby stuff and sending me their hand-me downs and then keeping it all for the next child, I learned how to collect, save and clutter. I am really good at it now! {Bad Joke}
I believe in fate; that everything happens for a reason and people, things, situations, circumstances and etc. are presented to each one of us at a particular time for a reason. I may sound like a fool here, but I think that the book was put in front of me at this time in my life, this time at the store and not prior or later because I am supposed to read this book now, not prior or later.
Anyways, I decided to start reading Let Go Of Clutter by Harriet Schechter - The Miracle Worker first.
Funny how things work out, right?

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to get away to the tropical islands any time you want without having to leave Massachusetts?

Indoor Water Park CoCo Key Water Resort
GRAND
OPENING EVENT DECEMBER 2008
Purchase Your Advance Tickets Now! 
Open to the public December 17, 2008!!
Now selling Birthday Parties For your birthday party click here
Celebrate New Year's Eve CoCo Style!
New Year's Eve Packages starting at $299!!

Indoor Waterpark
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to get away to the tropical islands any time you want without having to leave Massachusetts? Now you can, at CoCo Key Water Resort, Massachusetts’ Newest Indoor Water Resort. CoCo Key combines the relaxation and enchantment of the islands with the wild excitement of a 55,000-sq. ft. indoor water park. Every day is a bright, sunny 84 degrees at CoCo Key, featuring a selection of signature attractions.

Dining
A day in the waves can create quite an appetite. Fortunately, CoCo Key Water Resort has delicious dining options located within the water resort.

Arcade
Dry off and head on over to Key Quest Arcade, our interactive game room filled with state-of-the-art video games. Featuring the latest games for all ages including Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution, and the traditional favorites of ski ball, basketball, racing and more! Come see for yourself today!

Hotel Information
Any trip to CoCo Key Water Resort makes you a first-class passenger on a cruise ship without the waves! That’s because we’ve teamed up with the Royal Plaza to create a complete resort package designed to delight kids while pampering parents.
With a variety of room styles to choose from, CoCo Key Water Resort can meet—and exceed—just about any need while ensuring the kind of top-quality experience you'd expect. Easy to get to—and make time for—a trip to CoCo Key is the best kind of family getaway. So what are you waiting for?

Day Passes
Gather your family and friends and come experience Massachusetts’ Largest Indoor Water Resort for the day with CoCo! With over 55,000 sq. ft. of water resort adventures, thrilling slides, the kids can have a blast while parents can unwind and enjoy the relaxation of 84 degrees of sunshine!
Day passes to CoCo Key Water Resort will be available based on waterpark capacity, with certain restrictions and blackout dates. Reserve your day passes early online. Just click the link below and you’ll be directed to CoCo Key Water Resort’s day pass web site.
Purchasing your tickets online is the only way to guarantee access into the Water Resort if you are not on a Water Resort package. Click here to purchase CoCo Key day passes online!

CoCo's Holiday Gift Certificate Program
This holiday season give the gift of a tropical winter escape!
Sharing the experience of a tropical winter escape is one of the best gifts that can be given! We are sure your friends and family will be thrilled with a CoCo Key Gift Certificate for the holidays!

This Holiday, we are giving back to you!
For every $50 purchase of a CoCo Key Gift Certificate bought between November 14th and December 15th, 2008, you receive ONE FREE day passes to come back for a future visit.

Purchase $50 in gift certificates and receive 1 FREE Day Pass

Purchase $100 in gift certificates and receive 2 FREE Day Passes

Purchase $150 in gift certificates and receive 3 FREE Day Passes

Puchase $200 in gift certificates and receive 4 FREE Day Passes

……and so on!

Purchase your gift certificates today!


Don’t forget that at CoCo Key there are so many great activities going on for the holiday season including:

Breakfast with Santa

Tropical Winter Wonderland Activities

New Years Eve Celebrations

Plus many more!

We hope you have a great holiday season and come visit soon!

*Restrictions*
CoCo's holiday gift certificate program is valid only for gift certificates purchased over $50 from November 14th – December 15th, 2008. This offer is not valid for gift certificates purchased prior or after the program dates. Black out dates and restrictions may apply on the free day pass(es).

Birthday Parties

Looking for a truly unbelievable birthday party for 10 or even 100? Look no further. With private rooms available for rent and our professional Splashy staff, CoCo Key Water Resort is a wonderful place to hold birthday parties for any age.

Kids love the immediate access to all the fun our gigantic indoor waterpark and Key Quest Arcade provide. For adults, there’s the Wet Rooster Bar for delicious poolside refreshments and the relief you will feel in knowing that we’ll take care of everything so you can sit back and enjoy the party!

Please contact our party coordinator to find out more about how we can make your next birthday party as memorable as possible. Call 978.342.7100 for more information.


Escape the everyday at CoCo Key Water Resorts.

CoCo Key Water Resorts are the newest water resort developments throughout the U.S offering families adventure filled getaways. CoCo Key Water Resorts are soon to be the nations largest family of indoor Water Resorts. Designed to delight every age and interest and to be an affordable, close to home escape from the everyday. With ten resort locations open nation wide by the end of 2008, you are sure to find one close to home and gallons of fun for your entire family!

CoCo Key brings the incredible water park fun indoors, providing time-starved families with a close-to-home getaway that has something for every member of your family. Want to relax and unwind and have a great time doing so? Then steer your course to a CoCo Key Water Resort location close to you!

The name “CoCo Key” along with the décor and atmosphere reflect the Key West tropical appeal from the earlier days where the region was known for it’s constant sunshine, clear seas, and welcoming tropical environment. CoCo Key captures the relaxation of the Keys and the enchantment of the Islands. From a walk to Rusty’s Dive Shop to the Coral Reef Cavern, dining on Duval Street and amazing sunsets viewed from Mallory Square, your will experience the true amazement of Key West. Bright colored cabanas, swaying pals, native artwork, thatched roofs…..all await you during your visit!

“CoCo” the Resorts mascot is brought to life as the ambassador of the Water Resort. CoCo is a key component in completing the tropical water resort experience for children of all ages. CoCo makes his home inside the water resort, participates in fun filled family activites, and also attends birthday parties and special events. CoCo believes in the development and education of all children, while of course having fun. CoCo has developed specific programs (“CoCo Rewards Kids”) to encourage children to do their best in school, read and help around the house!

CoCo Key Water Resorts range from 50,000 sq. ft to the largest of 65,000 sq.ft in size. CoCo Key offers a real Key West water adventure. From the thrilling Shark Slam, Gator Gush, and Barracuda Blast water slides, to the Coral Reef Cavern Activity pool, Dip in Theatre, Coconut Grove adventure river, Palm Grotto indoor/outdoor spa, Parrot’s Perch interactive play island, Pizza Hut Express and snack bar, private cabanas, group and birthday rooms, there is something for everyone.

CoCo Key Water Resorts, created in partnership with Wave Development LLC and Sage Hospitality Resources, are the newest water resort development throughout the United States, offering a Key West paradise for family adventure getaways. Managed by Sage Hospitality Resources, one of the nation’s leading hotel management companies, CoCo Key Water Resort developments are currently open at: Sheraton Chicago Northwest NW Hotel, Arlington Heights, IL; Clock Tower Resort, Rockford, IL; Cherry Valley Lodge, Newark, OH; Sheraton Ferncroft/Boston Resort, Danvers, MA; Holiday Inn Central, Omaha, NE; Sheraton Cincinnati Hotel, Cincinnati, OH; Sheraton Sports Complex Hotel; Kansas City, MO Additional CoCo Key Water Resort developments are underway at Waterbury, CT; Mt. Laurel, NJ and Fitchburg, MA.

Escape to a Tropical Winter Wonderland

Parrot's Perch Kiddie Slide
Parrot's Perch

An interactive adventure with slides for younger children, zero-depth entry area, water cannons, and a huge bucket that dumps hundreds of gallons of water every few minutes.


Coconut Grove Adventure River

A fast paced tube ride through the water island with splashy coconut surprises along the way.

Shark Slam Gator Gush Barracuda Blast Pelican Plunge
Shark Slam, Barracuda Blast & Pelican Plunge

3 thrilling body- and raft-waterslides that'll drive you wild!


Palm Grotto

Giant whirlpools for a relaxing, sultry tropical experience. You can even get to the outdoor whirlpool via our swim-through passage.


Dip-In Theater

Enjoy video entertainment a whole new way: floating in your own tube in our waterpark!


Coral Reef Cavern Water BasketballCoral Reef Cavern

An exciting activity pool that features lily pads, water basketball and an animated coral reef backdrop that changes as you look at it.


Rusty's Dive Shop

Conveniently located within the water resort, Rusty's Dive Shop serves as a Lifeguard Station as well as a pick up point for complimentary towels.







Black Friday Sale at StarWarsShop Starts Nov 28!

If you are looking for a gift this holiday for the Star Wars Lover/Collector in your life, this is a great deal to get for them.

Black Friday Sale at StarWarsShop starts November 28 and continues through to CyberMonday, December 1!

Starting November 28, make sure you're in front of a computer to take advantage of StarWarsShop's huge Black Friday Sale, which knocks 10% off every item in stock for regular shoppers, and 20% off for Hyperspace members! That's one dollar off every five spent!

And just in case you're sleeping off a tryptophan haze the day after Thanksgiving, StarWarsShop is extending the sale through the weekend and into Monday, so that's four whole days to reap big savings on Star WarsClone Wars, and Indy merch!

StarWarsShop is also giving away a free exclusive "Star Wars Holiday Special" Topps trading card with every order while supplies last, so you'll not want to miss this sale!

Be sure to mark your calendars and be camped out in front of StarWarsShop's virtual doors on November 28 to get the best deals of the year!

Hyperspace members -- be sure you're signed in to StarWarsShop to get the extra 10% discount on top of the 10%-off sale prices! Not a Hyperspace member? What are you waiting for -- Join today!

Google Chrome is rather odd with iGoogle




I don't often use homepages, but I do have them for wherever you can. I added an application to my iGoogle page using the Google Chrome Browser and I got a pop-up that alerted me that "this page is not supported by this browser." Rather strange wouldn't you say? Hopefully Google will fix this rather intricate miscommunication with each other soon.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Happy Birthday Joe Biden!

Happy Birthday to Vice President-Elect Joe Biden, who turns 66 years old today. I hope this is a memorable and successful year for you!

Vice-President-elect Joe Biden turned 66 years old today. Yesterday President-elect Obama surprised Biden with an early birthday gift:

Happy Birthday to Vice President-Elect Joe Biden
photos from Change.gov

CNN reported:

The day before Vice President-elect Joe Biden turns 66, President-elect Barack Obama presented his running mate with 12 candlelit cupcakes after their weekly lunch on Wednesday. He also gave Biden Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears hats as well as a bucket of Garrett's popcorn as presents.

Vice President-elect Biden spent his birthday today in his home state of Delware. You can share your birthday wishes and messages to Joe in the comments below . . . 

It only gets colder from here!

BRRRRRR, it DEFINATELY gets colder from here. Goodbye warm weather and flip flops, until we meet again. It is wicked chilly, it chills me right to the bones. Check out the next 7 days weather forecast. YIKES! Someone send me some beach sand please!



Local Gas Price(s) Alert!


Lowest Gas Prices in Springfield



Springfield Gas Prices provided by GasBuddy.com

A Greasy Situation...

Tonight after Jacob got out of the shower and got dressed to come downstairs, his hair was all sticking up and "styled".

Guess what he did to get it that way?

He put VASOLINE in his hair!!!

I sat there for a minute not sure what to say, in awe, putting the words together, until it made sense. I kept thinking in my head, he didn't really do that, his hair is just wet. And as I am thinking this, I am noticing it in his hair.

I wasn't sure what to do and it was just about bedtime. I thought for a minute that I would deal with it in the morning but it's a greasy situation.  I was thinking in my head, how am I going to get vasoline out of his hair?

So, I went online and good old Yahoo Answers came to my rescue. I looked over the answers and chose kja63's answer.

Her answer:
OMG! Get them out of the shower now. Water & oil do NOT mix.
Dry them off thoroughly. Then start with Baby Powder (absorbs the grease) and let them sit for a bit. Towel off any excess and reapply the Baby Powder again. Sit some more -- giving the talcum time to absorb the vaseline.
Then shower using a gentle shampoo and conditioner.

Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland"

OMG!
As most of you already know, I am a HUGE Alice In Wonderland fan. Well, here it is; Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, based off the book by Lewis Carroll, a Live Action / Motion Capture re-telling of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is due out March 5, 2010. I can't wait to see it!