A lot about a little

My wake-up call came at 6:45. "Hello, this is BGE Home and we'll be at your house between 9 and 11 am to install your hot water heater." Not quite sure why they call so early. I was thankful that it wasn't a 'bad' call. You know the kind. We used the shower and I did a load of laundry before they came at 9:00. It didn't take long to do the job. New AC and furnace last Monday, new hot water heater today. I'm set, I hope, for the long run. I also had a 'smart switch' put on my outside AC unit, part of BGE PeakRewards. They cycle your AC off for short periods during the summer months and you get $10-$15 off your summer bills. The only thing left to do is fully understand my thermostat.

Emily's school is having their annual food drive for the county Food Bank. I always contribute and it's a great way for me to clear my pantry and help those in need. Well, was I in for a surprise. I had an unbelievable amount of expired food. I spent hours expunging. I started with my pantry. Then my cabinets. Then my basement. Then the refrigerator. Then my medicines and cosmetics. I emptied and rinsed and put my garbage disposal to work. I had to break out the second recycle bin, and fill a second trash bag. And that was without looking in the freezer. Enough for one day! It made me realize I have to shop smarter. Brownies anyone? I have two boxes about to expire.

I set up automatic payments with my new mortgage company today. I'll be putting the savings from my new interest rate towards paying my principle. First though, I'll be paying back the money I borrowed for my new appliances. I'm so glad I'm able to make extra principle payments. It will help pay off my loan that much sooner. If I ever get it paid off. Who knows how long I'll live here? I love my home but one day I'll be an empty-nester and I might want something smaller.

Rob came over this weekend. Yea! We ate at Pei Wei Friday night. It's the Asian Bistro owned by P.F. Chang's, and a favorite of ours. I worked on Saturday and Rob worked with his friend Tim in Tim's recording studio. I went to Borders for my much loved latte, then met Rob and we went to Jalepeno's for their Happy Hour appetizers. Yes, that makes two Saturdays in a row for me. We went to Cafe Pronto for coffee afterward.

Yesterday started with church. We came back and Rob volunteered to help me bring my Christmas tree up from the basement. It's up! Not decorated but up and ready. Yes, it's early, but my first party is December 5th. That's right around the corner. Will I spend less time decorating my home this year? What do you think?

Have I mentioned how much I dislike decorating my tree? It's just too big. It takes a gazillion ornaments. I looked at smaller trees but none looked as good as mine. When it's decorated I'll be happy. I'd love to have some elves visit while I'm sleeping. Any elves out there?

We worked together and raked my whole backyard! I also used my leaf blower for the first time. It was SO great to have a partner. The backyard looks great. There's still more leaves to fall, but not nearly as much as we cleared.

Check out the color!

OK. This is getting way too long! I'll end by embedding this video of Em and me that I made using JibJab. I won't tell you how many I made or how much fun I had.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!