Consumer Reports Sucks

So, I'm sure you recall my new fancy smancy washing machine I got last month. You might also recall that I used Consumer Reports to help decide which one to get. Well, those fuckers liked me so much they decided they wanted to keep me for another month, which I did NOT authorize. When I signed up, I chose the one month option because I was only using it to help pick out a washing machine. I didn't expect to make any other big purchases any time soon, so I didn't want to sign up for a year. Well, I sign on to my Regions, and there it is--five dollars and 95 fucking cents of Consumer Reports. So, I put on my sweetest kill them with kindness voice, and I call the lady. I say that I did not intend to sign up for a year, and that was not clearly stated. I asked her to please refund the charge since I had not used the website, and I did not intend to, and she refused. So, I called her a bitch (which always makes me feel better), told her I'd call my bank, and I WOULD get my money back, and I'd complain to the BBB. Which I did. I love Regions! And the BBB.

Samsung Washer WF330ANW

So, my washer, which wasn't really my washer but Travis' parents' old one, decided it wanted to be retired to the old folks home junk yard at the ripe ol' age of 15. The drum in our top loader was at an angle more like that of a front loader, and it was leaking oil. And, even though we're broke as Joe's turkey (why, exactly, Joe's turkey is broke, I don't know), we decided we were tired of that shit and kicked it to the curb for this nice shiny new one.

It's a Samsung WF330ANW, and it is currently $600 from Best Buy. I did a lot of research on washing machines, and we decided a front loader was the best way to go. Consumer Reports rated this machine very highly and gave it their "recommended" stamp. We got a Georgia Energy Star Rebate for $99 (note that online purchases do NOT apply--you must buy in store!), so we ended up getting it for $500, and it was just a way better deal than any top loader. Plus, it has more space and more options, including this fancy smancy "sanitize" cycle. I'm in love with that one since we have a chihuahua who thinks she's a cocker spaniel and pukes every chance she gets. Just to piss me off. Anywho, it's been super quiet, and, despite the concrete floor that was leveled by a drunk with one eye, it hasn't walked off yet. It spins at a remarkable 1150 rpms. I swear it's going to take off, but it sure gets your clothes dry before you put them in the dryer. It's a huge energy saver because of that, and it uses a lot lot lot less water. The direct drive motor has a 10 year warranty, which is comparable to LG, and at regular price it is very comparable to LG's similar model, but on sale, it was no contest.

I haven't had any issues with it yet (I'll update if I do) except I don't have enough stuff to wash. I sat there and watched it for the first hour or so... I want to try out all the cycles, but I don't have any dress clothes for permanent press or wool for the wool cycle, and I don't wear anything that goes on the gentle cycle (if you know what I mean). I'm thinking of trying the chihuahua on the gentle cycle, but I'm afraid she may need to go on the quick wash...

Lake Jocassee, SC Dive Boat Charter

This dive almost wasn't. This mask is mine. It shattered 15 minutes before we were supposed to load the boat. Because the mask had my prescription in it, I wore my glasses. Even though I thought about bringing my contacts, I decided I didn't need them and left them at my dad's--an hour and a half from the dive site. Needless to say we didn't make that 9AM boat. We drove all the way back to Dad's, got my contacts, drove to a dive shop, bought a new mask, and drove all the way back to Jocassee to make the 3PM boat. I should be mad that I wasted a $150 mask (including prescription), but I'm grateful that it didn't happen underwater. I also have to think it happened for a reason--that we weren't supposed to make that 9AM dive. Who knows. But, come 3PM, we were headed to load the boat!

The beautiful rocky and sandy shore surrounded by nothing but banjo playing BF Egypt forests was a little cumbersome when lugging dive gear. We had to lug all our crap down this little rocky trail--and then drag ourselves back up it for the next load. Plus, we had to take it all back up the hill. Not fun.

I'm lucky, though. I have a hot ass pack mule of a husband who loves me enough to drag all my shit around!

Not to mention that the scenery was breathtaking when you finally got all your crap situated and had a moment to look around. It was a mountainy area that just looked like a painting from our loading area. The trees were so green they almost looked fake. Even if you don't want to dive, this lake is spectacular. The water is clear and sandy--not muddy like Georgia lakes. It's very rocky, but I think that helps keep it more clear. It's well worth a trip, even for a non-diver.

Finally, we made it on the boat from the Scuba Shop in Spartenburg. They have a large pontoon and two smaller pontoons like this one. They are full service--providing tanks, fills, and rental gear. It is $25 per person for two-tank dives if you provide filled tanks. It's $40 if they provide the tanks. It's a great price either way. And, they cooked us corn dogs on the grill! Plus, we got watermelon! Mike, Cory, Dee, and the whole crew were awesome. They are super helpful, nice, and friendly. The first dive was to some wrecks and junk in the lake. Everything is connected by ropes, making it easy to find everything and very enjoyable. The visibility is good for a lake or quarry, but a lot of people had been there before us stirring shit up. It was still great. The second dive was a drift dive along the rocky wall near the wrecks. It was a cool dive which will prepare you for the ocean, and there are lots of fishies.

After we drug ourselves and all our crap back up the hill (see above), we were taking it easy, sharing the story of the shattered mask (for which we were celebrities). I noticed this cool walking stick on a nearby car. I had to take a picture. It was freakin' cool!. I highly recommend Lake Jocasee for fun of any kind on the lake, but I think it is a great place to dive. If you have never dove Lake Jocassee, call the Dive Shop. We highly recommend them, as we were immensely impressed. Plus, they take you to the dive sites, and you will never find this shit on your own! .

My New Toy!

Meet my new toy. It is so awesomeness! My PDA wouldn't work on campus because it is ancient--but still wonderful, and I still use it... So, I rushed right out and bought me a mini lap top. It's soooo cute! Gag. Anyway. It's pretty close to my old laptop--but a third of the size and weight. It's much more portable, and I love it. Two things to be aware of if you are looking at mini laptops. 1) They run XP--not Vista. Vista is huge and honking and sucks anyway. So, no biggie. 2) There is not currently a mini I know of that has a CD/DVD drive. You have to get an external (~$75). Still, no biggie. This thing is perfect for trips and day to day use. The screen on mine is the 10-inch instead of the 8.9. It makes a HUGE difference. Do not get an 8.9-inch screen. Microcenter has good deals on them in general, but I prefer the HP. I got it $50 less than the HP site price. Now I'm off to play with my cutesy wootsey widdle bitty lappy toppy. (Makes gagging noises.)

Turtle Tracks Ice Cream

If you have never had turtle tracks ice cream, them shits are good. It is vanilla ice cream with chocolate covered caramel turtles (actually shaped like little turtles, which there are never enough of!), chocolate covered pecans, and a swirl of caramel. Can you say "Yum"? I think you can.

But, I got to thinking about this whole turtle track thing. And, I've decided my favorite ice cream is still chocolate chip cookie dough. Why? Think about it. Do you see any turtle feet shaped tracks in that ice cream? No. You see chocolate covered hunks of nuts and caramel swirl.

Looks strikingly like poo and piss, huh? That's what I thought.

So, now I'm having a hard time chomping on those cute little turtles because I feel like I'm munching on their excrement, too. I am going back to old faithful. Chocolate chip cookie dough, here I come.

Joann Fabric Store

I am normally used to people acting like complete assholes in retail. It doesn't get to me. I went into the Joann here on Friday and got a bunch of fabric, and the guy who helped me was awesome. I was so impressed! I went back today to get more stuff--we're talking lots of stuff (I've dropped $200 there already). I was completely disappointed and disgusted.

"Christine", or so her name tag says, was a complete bitch. She made sure she didn't give me a millimeter extra of fabric (most places give you a little over the yard), and she just had a complete attitude. I asked her to cut a piece of fabric into two two-yard sections so it would be easier for me (I can't cut straight, and they have those little slots on their counters, which is so awesome). She copped a total attitude, and she was like "I'm not supposed to do that". Um, do what? Make an extra cut? That took you all of what? Two seconds?

Bitch.

Total worthless, waste of air bitch.

It really pissed me off.

And, THEN, that woman had the audacity to ask me if I had scissors. No, bitch, I don't have any scissors. I cut the fabric with my teeth. Would you like me to demonstrate on you?

Seriously.

I started to ask for a manager, and I thought, no, I should probably cool down. I'm still not cool. I just can't believe people like that can get a job, and I can't. I mean, I would never say something like that to a customer. It's insane.

Ugh. Completely and utterly disgusted...

Top Dogs Pet Boutique

I am in love with my newest pet find. Top Dogs Pet Boutique in Kennesaw is awesome. They have a huge selection of nutritious and natural foods, amazing treats, clothes, toys, leashes and collars, beds, strollers, and everything else you can imagine for doggies. I only feed my baby natural foods made in the USA. They have everything from Canidae to Solid Gold to Holistic Select. They even have free samples so you can see if your baby likes it before you drop a ton of cash on expensive food. The service was great, and they showered my baby with treats and affection. I can't wait to go back and try some of the treats. They looked amazing (see left). They also have a location in Roswell, but I don't know if the people there are as great. I am very impressed with them so far, and I will be using them again soon.

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

This weekend, after we were so disappointed with Bodies, we went to The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw, GA. I've lived here for over a year and a half, and I've never been to my own town's museum. It was awesome! They have such amazing things in there. All these guns and swords and uniforms and stuff from the Civil War. I mean, Kennesaw is huge with war. There is so much stuff still in the ground here. Travis has found lots of bullets and a buckle and all kinds of stuff. It's cool to live in a historic place.

The best part of the museum was all the locomotive stuff. They have this entire assembly line for the iron works that made the locomotives. We played in the kids area (because there was hardly anyone there, and we're big kids), which was very cool. You could send telegraph messages to each other across the room. You could drive a locomotive with your shadow. You could play all day in there! And, then, the grand finale, the General was in there. It would be nice if you could get up on the train, but it's cool just seeing it.

We had a really good time, and we highly recommend it. We plan on going again very soon because we both can go for only $15! Unfortunately, I just had my blackberry and not my camera, so the pictures are not the best or most numerous, but here's what I got:

The Bodies Exhibit

This weekend, we went to see the Bodies Exhibit in Atlantic Station. It was in Atlanta before, but I never got to see it. Since it came back, we just had to go see it. What a disappointment. The people who were supposed to be in charge of everything were completely disorganized. And, the exhibit area was so small and cramped. Add that in with the massive amount of people trying to see it, and it was a disaster. I couldn't read anything because someone was up my ass the entire time. If I pay $50 for me and Travis to see something, I want time to enjoy it and absorb it. I can't stand that shit. No one has any patience. They are completely rude and selfish. I got to see most of the displays, but I didn't get to read about hardly any of them, so I was less than impressed. The actual display of real human bodies is very interesting, but the lack of organization ruined it for me. And, by the way, you can NOT take pictures. I swear to God (and Travis swears, too) that the stupid bitch who was giving us the rules when we walked in said we could take pictures. So, I was taking a couple pictures, and some bitch comes over and taps me very sharply on the shoulder. She's lucky I thought it was Travis who was touching me because bitch better keep her fucking hands off me. You do not touch me if I don't know you. Ever. I should have the cunt arrested for assault. Anyway, she hisses at me that I can't take pictures. So, the one above is the only good one I got before bitch pissed me the hell off. Overall, it was just a terrible experience. I'd say if you really want to go, go at a really random time during the day in the week or something. Maybe it won't be so crowded and chaotic.

Vortex Spring

We went to Vortex Spring this past weekend. It was great. We didn't have an underwater camera, but here are the pictures from land:

Welcome!

Long, sandy road into the spring.
Panoramic of the site.
Decorative dive flag .
Koi.
Get in line.
Sneaking up on dinner.
Cannibal! (Not my hand in the pic.)
I touched it! (Not my hand in the pic.)
Mmmm...goldfish. (Not my hand in the pic.)
They mobbed us.
Another cannibal!
Fresh water shark?
Just chillin'.
Bye!

Fishy video.

Vortex Spring is a small spring in Ponce de Leon, Florida. It's about an hour north of Panama City. There is a cave area that open water divers can go into, and there is a true cave. There are artificial cave-like swim-throughs for those learning to cave dive. The open water approved cave is beautiful. There are freshwater eels, which are kinda cool. Even though they aren't dangerous, they still freak me out a little. The air pools on the ceiling, and it makes very beautiful little bubbles. There are also places where it pools that are large enough to stick your head in, but that sorta freaked me out a little. It was pretty cool overall.

We stayed in the lodge at Vortex. And, I don't recommend that at all. We thought it was a great idea. We'd be right there first thing in the morning, we could sleep later, get up, and get right in the water. Except that it didn't go quite like that. I had a panic attach because of all the bugs. There were bugs all over the room. I mean, tons of bugs. I almost slept in the truck. But, Travis took me to get bug spray and bug repellent. I actually slept ok after that. I definitely wouldn't recommend it, though. For $100, it's just not worth it, at all. I could have camped for next to nothing, and kept the bugs out of my tent better than that. The lady at the desk did comp our dives (saved us $50), so it wasn't a complete loss, but I highly doubt they would have done that if one of the guys had been at the desk instead of the girl. Girls know bugs are gross. Guys think I'm a wuss. And, maybe I am, but I didn't pay $100 to sleep with fucking cockroaches. Ick.

Thrifty--For your Wallet and your Waistline

I have recently started using the flavoring packets for water. There are tons of flavors--everything from fruit punch to lemonade to black cherry. They have anywhere from 0 to 20 calories per serving--much less than a typical soda or juice. And, the store brands, like the Kroger one above, are about $2 for a pack of 10. That's only 20 cents for a drink (when you use tap water)--much less than a typical soda or juice, even when you buy in bulk. These packets make drinking water easier for those of us who need some flavor in our lives, and they do it without hurting out wallets or our waistlines. Ambrosia!

Cheerwine

If you have never had Cheerwine you are definitely missing out. I haven't seen Cheerwine in stores in years, and I luckily and ecstatically ran across it at my local Kroger yesterday while buying groceries. There is no substitute for Cheerwine in a glass bottle, but I'll settle for cans. I don't know what it is that makes it so good, but it's just slap delicious. I highly recommend trying it out, especially if you like old fashioned cherry colas. For more information, click here.

Note: Cheerwine does not contain alcohol. You can find the name history in the "more information" link.