I thought I would include our email exchange so you could see what I was talking about in a previous post.

Original Shipment Confirmation dated 12/05/2007 7:03pm:

Dear 691521091,

Thanks for your payment! Order (invoice A46529 Item # C-691521091-04779, Baby Pandas Ornament Size: 3 inch Snowflake Porcelain Ornament; ItemNumber: 2547) has been shipped and should arrive shortly. Please email me at xxx@xxx with any further questions. It was a pleasure doing business with you.

My email to her on 12/13/2007 10:29pm:

Hi Dina,
I ordered three ornaments from you and received shipment notifications from you 8 days ago. I understand the mail delivery is much slower at this time of year, and with my luck they will arrive tomorrow. However, as of yet we have not received them. I was just concerned because of the length of time between the notification and today’s date as well as the fact I ordered several other items the same day and everything else arrived including two media mail items. I really just wanted to be sure they weren’t lost in the mail, as we are truly relying on these as gifts, of course.
If you need any further information from me, just let me know. We loved your shop and will certainly be shopping with you again.

Her email response back same date 12/13/2007 11:20pm:

Dear Nicole,

Order was shipped via USPS standard mail from NJ. Tracking was not provided.

USPS may be slow with deliveries at times especially during the holiday season. Let’s wait one more week to give post office a chance to deliver it to you and if you still don’t receive it please let us know and we will send replacement.

I am hoping you will get tem soon.

Happy Holidays,
Dina

My response back on 12/14/2007 12:23am (see I was trying to be nice!!)

Dina,
Thanks for the super fast reply. I appreciate it. I totally understand the slowness of the mail service and will certainly wait the week and see if they arrive. As I mentioned, they will probably arrive in the next day or so. Thank you again for getting back to me so fast.
Have a wonderful Christmas!

My next response when they didn’t arrive a week later on 12/19/2007 12:40pm

Hi Dina,
We still have not received the ornaments we ordered from you on December 4th. You asked if I would wait a week and today it would be a week since I emailed you. We are really concerned because the ornaments were a gift for Christmas and it is a tradition that we give each child one on Christmas Eve. The shipment notification was mailed out on the 5th and while the USPS is slow, they aren’t usually that slow with standard delivery. I really think they are lost in the mail and I am worried about that. Everything else we ordered the same day showed up last week standard mail.
Please let me know what I should do, or need to do. Do I need to fill something out?
Thanks so much for your time,
Nicole

Her response back on 12/19/2007 at 2:18pm:

Dear Nicole,

We will reprocess your order again and ship it out to you next day delivery via USPS tomorrow.
Please confirm your address before we process, also if you receive 1st package tomorrow please notify us:

NICOLE HUMPHREY
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Happy Holidays,
Dina

Grr…my last and final response to her on 12/19/2007 6:27pm:

Dina, the address is correct. That is so strange.
Thank you for reprocessing the order. It did not arrive today as I had hoped. If it shows up, I will accept the first delivery but refuse the second delivery so it goes back to you. Thank you for looking into this for me. I am still terrified it won’t arrive before Monday.

Thanks again for your attention to this,
Nicole

So, now what? I am so darn po’d and really I wanted the ornaments but at this point, the money back is equally as fantastic as the ornaments will mean very little at this point. Ugh!! Help my dear blogging friends! Any advice?

Our family designated 2008 as an active year. We plan to do a lot of different things.

For Christmas, two kids got roller skates, one got roller blades, everyone has (not for Christmas) a bike except Mike but we are getting one for him and all of us enjoy the great outdoors. Makes for a great goal setting scenario.

Knowing that Mike does not have a bike, my mom got the bright idea to purchase him some Hiking Boots. They are from Rocky Outdoor Gear and are totally waterproof, really sturdy and look so attractive. I want a pair! Plus he says they are super comfortable and really warm.

We often go hiking as a family at state parks but we don’t do major hiking because not everyone has boots. Now Mike and my son have boots. It’s time for the girls to get some hiking boots so we can go too, and keep up! LOL
The deal is that now we have to figure out what kind we want, how much we want to spend and what style will work for both longevity and comfort.

While my mom and I were shopping for boots, we looked at a lot of different kinds. I also really liked a few pairs of Hunting boots but many of them come with different camouflage prints and well, that’s certainly not for me. I found one pair by Gearbox that I really liked, they were super insulated and when I tried them on they were comfortable.

Metboots carries both of these lines and their prices are highly competitive and their site is super easy to navigate through. I was pleased to see that both the pair that Mike got for Christmas as well as the pair I really liked are cheaper through them, then anywhere else I’ve seen. If you are in need of a good pair of sturdy outdoor hiking or hunting boots, I strongly suggest you check them out and consider getting them there. (they offer a 100% satisfaction policy!) Plus, they offer a lot of other types of workwear including for doctors, nurses, chefs and others who spend a great deal of time on their feet. I’ve bookmarked them. I hope you will too.

While blog surfing I came across this meme and was captivated by the concept, so well….I did it. I’m not tagging anyone, I just wanted to do it myself.Here ya go!

1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3. Pick your month of birth (see below).
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment for them. (However, I am a rule breaker and I don’t have the heart to tag 12 people…so if you do this, lemme know) Essentially I’m tagging all my blogging buddies because I’d love to see their answers, but I won’t be offended if you don’t do it.
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve done it!

I’m an August baby and I have done something similar before. They are eerily close to accurate:

AUGUST:

• Loves to joke. (very true, ask Mike)
• Attractive. (Mike says I am. Thanks baby!)
• Suave and caring. (I think so)
• Brave and fearless. (Well, I’m not afraid of much, but I am not sure how brave I actually am)
• Firm and has leadership qualities. (So true.)
• Knows how to console others. (Very true. It has been a downside for me sometimes because everyone comes to me.)
• Too generous and egoistic. (I know I am extremely generous, but I had to look egoistic up. I’m not sure I fit that one)
• Takes high pride in oneself. (yes, this is true.)
• Thirsty for praises. (aren’t we all?)
• Extraordinary spirit. (yup, that’s me)
• Easily angered. (I wish I couldn’t say yes, but yep)
• Angry when provoked. (this is a given seeing the one above)
• Easily jealous. (I can be, but I have worked hard on that in my walk with God - so not so much anymore, content is better.)
• Observant. (Does the title private investigator mean anything, yeah.)
• Careful and cautious. (yes.)
• Thinks quickly. (It should read Thinks Quickly and Far too Much!)
• Independent thoughts. (yep)
• Loves to lead and to be led. (yes)
• Loves to dream. (yeah I am a major dreamer)
• Talented in the arts, music and defense. (yes - arts, yes - music, not sure about defense)
• Sensitive but not petty. (too sensitive at times)
• Poor resistance against illnesses. (I disagree with this, I have been relatively healthy this year even when others were sick!)
• Learns to relax. (if I am learning than how does it fit me?)
• Hasty and trusty. (I don’t even understand this one. I’m fast to trust? - if that’s what this means, then yep!)
• Romantic. (VERY! Love notes hidden all over, sweet gifts for no reason, cards just because, remembering particular dates because of what they mean, etc. etc. etc. I’m also OCD about my romance. )
• Loving and caring. (That’s why my step-daughter’s attached to me so quick)
• Loves to make friends. (yes/no. I enjoy the friends I already have and really enjoy being with them. I am not the type to seek out new friendships, but if it happens I’m certainly okay with it.)

THE MONTHLY FLAVORS, WHICH ARE YOU?

JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

Okay, so I waited to blog this until I had given this company plenty of time. I am not going to reveal the name of the store just yet. I will release that tomorrow in another post. But here’s the story. I’d love advice on what to do, even though I suspect I know what I will need to do.

On December 4, at about 8pm or so, I purchased three ornaments for three of my kids. This is a holiday tradition. On Christmas eve, each child receives and ornament that has something to do with them, or represents them or their personality in some way. I was so incredibly excited, because my son is a major dragon addict, and I had found a place that had a dragon ornament. In addition they had a panda cub ornament (my eldest step-daughter’s) and a chimpanzee (my middle step-daughters). So I was totally excited that I had the ornaments done and taken care of the first week of December, right?

Well, by December 13, I had heard nothing from the company. Not a word. I wrote her an email and asked about them. She informed she felt the mail service at this time of year was very slow, and could I please wait another week and then email her. Uhm. Sure.

So I did. I emailed her again on December 20, completely aware of course that even if she mailed them out that EXACT day there was little or no chance of getting them before Christmas. Right?

So she emails me back that she will “re-process” the order. Uhm. Okay. And that if I receive the other set tomorrow, to please notify her immediately. Well, that sounded funny to me since why would she expect me to receive it the next day and was she planning on holding my order to see if I received it (pretty much guaranteeing that it would not be here on Christmas Eve.) So, Christmas eve, it was not here. (imagine!) so we went out and purchase a couple of back up ornaments for the kids. Not exactly what I wanted to get them, but they were nice.

Today is December 29. Guess what? Still no ornaments. Not package one or package two. *sigh* At this point I totally don’t expect to receive them. Period. However, the fact that we paid for them (they were like $12.95 a piece or something) is starting to really tick me off.

So some advice? Use credit cards when shopping, especially when having something delivered. Because you can always dispute the charges when the statement comes. I know that’s what we plan to do. It’s probably the only recourse I have at this point. Anyone have any other ideas? Oh, and if you want to get a loan to help you pay off those high credit card bills, make sure you choose the right place to do that. It could wind up costing your more in the long run.

In the lively spirit of the 101 things in 1001 days, I decided that this year I would attempt to create a similar concept or project. My concept is ABSOLUTELY open to the public, although originally created more for myself as a “Self Improvement New Years Resolution”.

The whole theory stemmed from realizing that I was truly enjoying the original 101/1001 concept, but that many of my items took a long time to complete. Plus, I liked the idea of adding things I didn’t already have on there, and being able to set the goal to complete them in a year. I am trying to make this year my best year yet.

To learn more or join me on my venture, visit the 100 Challenges page.

A friend of mine and I got in an interesting conversation with a couple of our other friends about visiting the dentist. Apparently most adults do not visit the dentist. I will be the first to admit it has been a couple of years since my last visit and it is definitely time for me to make an appointment. I was surprised to learn that one friend goes every 6 months for a cleaning, while another every year. More of our friends haven’t been to the dentist in two years or more. I think if someone did a study on it, the statistics would be interesting.

Well, since I have decided to get myself into the dentist, I have also been faced with the task for finding a dental plan. My problem is mostly that I am self-employed, and while I certainly make enough to pay for the dentist, and for a dental plan, it is more difficult to find one that works with my employment status.

I was really happy to find discount dental plans because I am certainly seeking a low-cost plan. Often, because of being self-employed, our rates and plans available to us are much higher cost than for others. Traditional plans have these totally expensive deductibles, all these stupid claim forms to fill out and waiting periods of sometimes up to six months or more.

However, discount dental plans offer a more suitable solution for me and you. First, inexpensive plans and several to choose from, as well as a much shorter wait and either no or only a one time claim form. The benefits far outweigh those of a traditional plan.

So, now that I have found my dental plan, now it’s time to make the appointment. Yuck!

It’s been a couple of weeks since I did a Photo Hunter and I missed it. I have the perfect picture today!

This picture makes me cringe. This is a picture of our living room in 2006 right after I moved in with Mike and the girls. This was the mess I woke up to. The kids drug up like a million toys from the basement and were happily playing. I had to hide in the bedroom until it was over. Needless to say, it has NEVER looked like that again since. In fact, its one of the most spotless rooms in the house now.

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I found this totally cool site where you can literally have them “paint your life”. I’m very picky about art and painting because my mother paints for a living, but this site is a bit unique in its nature. I plan to order one for my daughter in a couple of years when she has her own horse. What an amazing gift!!

They grab a photograph from you. Any photograph you have that you want painted, though they specialize in portrait style. They then have their portrait painters create a handmade original masterpiece. It’s truly beautiful and super easy. They have made the site totally user friendly and its simple to get from stage 1 of the process to the completed amazing portrait.

All of the artwork they create is by hand and is created by professional artists with experience and using the best quality paints and materials. Their prices are outstanding for such a service. You can get an oil portrait on canvas for as little as $99 and a charcoal portrait starts at $69.00. That is not a lot for what you wind up with!

I think the coolest thing I found out was that you can get several photographs combined into a single painting. Very useful if someone wasn’t present for the photograph, but you want them in it.

These are not computer generated paintings either, there are live artists with experience designing these amazing pieces of artwork.

These make the perfect birthday, graduation, Christmas or anniversary gift. They will be treasured for a lifetime and are so unique that the recipient will be amazed at what you got them.