Rewards Programs

For the most part, I find Rewards Programs annoying.  I'm usually in a hurry and hate when I'm delayed by the cashier asking if I'm in, or would like to join, the Rewards Program.  I usually just want to pay cash and be on my way.  However, some years ago, Rewards Programs started providing keychain tags, which made me more willing to participate.  Yes, my keychain is now cluttered with tags, but it's better than stuffing all those cards in my wallet.

And the truth is Rewards Programs offer nice savings.  Today I used $40 in Rewards Points at Best Buy. My $49.99 refrigerator water filter ended up costing just $9.99 plus tax.  I also recently saved $12 at the Day Spa with accrued Rewards Points.  But my favorite Rewards Program is the one offered by Panera where I eat at least once a week.  It's a nice surprise when I get a free meal, drink, or bakery item after the cashier swipes my tag.

I now need to embrace credit card Rewards Programs.  I hear they offer some nice savings. I do already appreciate the 5% discount I get every time I use my Target Visa at Target stores.  But I should investigate the savings other cards offer on plane tickets and hotel stays.  So now my To-Do List just got longer and I'm back to finding Rewards Programs -- annoying!

My Favorite Movie

My favorite movie of all time is Out of Africa.  I watch it once a year, usually in the summer.  I'm a Meryl Streep fan and Robert Redford, at that age, is nice to look at.  But what I enjoy most about the movie is the location.

I've never had a desire to visit Africa.  It's a long way to travel and a bit too "back to nature" for me.  Unless I'm resting on a beach, I prefer places where I can tour historic buildings and museums.  So I'm grateful for zoos and films that let me see Africa's beauty without actually going there.

Last year was Out of Africa's 25 anniversary.  I just got the anniversary Blu-ray disc, so I can now watch my favorite movie in HI-DEF.  It'll be the perfect activity for a hot humid weekend.

No Such Thing as "One and Done"

In the last several years, we've completed several home-improvement projects, or so I had hoped.  In 2006 we replaced a rotting deck with a sun room; in 2007 we excavated the backyard, adding two patios; in 2008 we finished half the basement; in 2010 we remodeled the master bathroom.  At the end of each project, I thought that's "one and done."  But unfortunately, for the most part, that hasn't been true.

In addition to pushing forward with new projects this year (a new hall bathroom and driveway), we are now also having to revisit completed projects.  The fad-resistant laminate flooring we put in the sun room is getting lighter every year and, eventually, will need to be replaced.  The flagstone used for one of the backyard patios is flaking terribly and needs to be sealed (requiring hours of prep work) or replaced.  The carpet tiles we used in the basement mildewed and will be replaced next week now that we've implemented several anti-moisture measures.

I'm learning that home-improvement is never done no matter how much planning and money is invested.  But, until I fully "wrap my brain around" that truth, it's a huge frustration.

Zero Tolerance

I don't believe my body is unique.  Therefore, there must be a lot of women walking around with the same problem.  What I'm referring to are shorts and pants that gap in the back if they fit in the hips, or that are tight in the hips if they fit everywhere else.  I'm, however, no longer willing to settle for clothing with the least discomfort.  And, as a result of my new zero tolerance attitude, I've given a lot of clothing to charity this season.

Of course that means I now need to shop, which I no longer find fun.  In the last few days, I've tried on at least 15 shorts and crop pants in my usual size and a size larger.  By far, my usual size comes the closest to fitting properly.  However, only one pair made it home. Well, I actually purchased two, thinking if one pair fit so would another in a different color.  But that's another frustration I'll discuss at another time.

So I've determined my average.  I need to try on at least 15 shorts and/or pants to possibly find one comfortable pair.  Ugh!  Anyone know a good personal shopper?