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It is so tough to keep up with all the latest technology.  Everything from my sewing machine to my cell phone is basically outdated as soon as I buy it because they are always coming up with something new and better.  I have to say, this is especially true with cell phones.

If you’re in the market for a new cell phone, Sprint is offering the Nexus S™ 4G for free.  Yes, you read that correctly, they are offering it for free when you open a new line of service or add a line to your existing account.  This phone has built-in Google apps, integrated Google Voice™ service, 4G speed and a super fast processor.  All that and yet it’s still small, fitting nicely in the palm of your hand.

Or, maybe you like things in 3D?  Did you know that there is now a cell phone that brings 3D to mobile?  And yes, Sprint is offering the HTC EVO™ 3D phone for free when you open a new line of service or add a line to your existing account.  With this phone you can actually view 3D pictures and movies all at 4G speeds, that’s pretty incredible!

These are web only offers so be sure to check out the Nexus S™ 4G and the HTC EVO™ 3D plus get activation fees waived for new lines of service and free shipping, all at Sprint.com

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It’s in the 50’s today and the indoor thermostat is set at 67 during the day. I’ve heard the heater kick on several times today, but here I sit, in my fleece sweats, feeling chilly. If this is another one of those signs of aging, I really hate it! Wish I could just get warm.

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I recently purchased a pattern and the supplies to make a “hot bowl”. It’s a hot pad that is curved and designed to use in the microwave when heating up anything in a bowl, like soup. If I get myself going, I’ll make one and then share it here.

First though, I have to work. I am working a split shift today, and then attending my daughter’s high school softball game tonight, so no projects of any kind will get started today!

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I know you wouldn’t think that’s a big deal, but today, while sewing on a 67 inch long border to a quilt top, unbeknownst to me, my bobbin ran out of thread. So, after putting 67 inches of fabric through my machine, only 3 inches were actually sewn together which meant, I basically had to do it all over again. Of course, I had to load the bobbin with thread first!

Ok, done with this vent and by the way, my quilt top is finished! I will post a picture tomorrow (hopefully!).

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My daughter has been complaining of a painful shoulder for months. Over the holidays it got so bad she asked me to take her to a doctor which, of course, I did. The doctor ordered an MRI and scheduled it the very next day. Of course, when I got home and visited our medical insurance website, I discovered the MRI facility she was to go to was not covered by our insurance.

So, it took me several days of calling back to the doctor’s office, the insurance, etc, to get her scheduled at an insurance approved facility. Done… or so I thought.

The diagnosis that came from the MRI results was bursitis. This is not overly serious but definitely can cause pain, and, because softball season is once again upon us, it’s important that we try to get her pain free. The family doctor then referred her to an orthopedic specialist which, thankfully, because he IS in our network, my daughter saw this morning.

He confirmed the bursitis diagnosis and is putting her on a daily anti-inflammatory and wants her to start physical therapy. The physical therapist is in the same office, so you’d think we’d be ok with the insurance, right? ummmm NO!

The physical therapist office that she is scheduled at in 2 days, does not appear on our approved provider list for our insurance. What a TOTAL PAIN IN THE ASS!

I have decided to set this aside until tomorrow, giving the Therapy office time to contact our insurance which they said they would do. If I don’t hear from them first, I will call them tomorrow to find out if I need to make alternate arrangements.

Oh, by the way, even though I got the MRI done by an “in network” facility, I still had to pay $500 of the cost plus a copay. I’ve all ready paid $25 copays twice to the family doctor and this morning paid another $50 copay to the orthopedic doctor. So, I’ve all ready paid over $600 and still haven’t started her on a treatment!

In case you’re wondering, all these copays and co-insurance amounts are double what I would have paid last year, thanks to Obama care.

I feel better since I have now vented, wish my wallet wasn’t so empty!

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Walgreens and Express Script have been unsuccessful in their year long negotiations.  Walgreens seems to have made every attempt to keep costs flat and Express Scripts members happy, but to no avail.  The two companies have parted ways.

What does this mean?  Well, anyone who is a member of Express Scrips, as of Jan. 1 must go out and find a new pharmacy to handle their prescriptions, probably at a higher cost and at possibly less convenient locations.  Walgreens are located on almost every corner in America and no matter where you are, you can walk into any Walgreens and get either a new prescription or even get an existing prescription refilled.  Out of town on business?  No problem, Walgreens will take care of you.

Because Walgreens is concerned about people who have their pharmacy coverage through Express Scripts, they are offering a very special discount on the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club.  $10 a year will get a family membership which covers spouses, children 22 and younger and even pets.  Individual memberships are being offered at only $5/year.

Benefits include savings on prescription drugs, both brand-name and generic, discounts on flu shots, diabetic supplies, nebulizers and yes, even pet prescriptions.  Plus, receive bonuses whenever you purchase Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services.

I think it’s a real shame that Express Scripts couldn’t come to some sort of agreement and it’s at the expense of its members.  Show your support by “Liking” Walgreens on Facebook and follow Walgreens on Twitter.

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My extra large cutting  mat had been stored under my bed and when I pulled it out I think it had about an inch thick layer of dust on it, it had been so long since it was last put to use!

So, I got everything dusted off, put together and sorted and away I went! I pick a simple pattern and 5 pieces of fabric and got myself busy cutting. I cut 27 strips from 3 of the fabrics and then sewed those together to make 9 strip sets. I’m getting ready to press those and the sub-cut into smaller pieces, those will actually create the blocks of the lap quilt I’m making.

So, just checking in here to let everyone know, after changing the needle, my sewing machine is still operational, even though it’s been close to a year since I last used it.

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I’ve been noticing over the past several months, particularly when I’m working, staring at a computer screen, that everything I’m looking at is a taking on a fuzzy look.  The words on the screen are harder to see.  Reading words in a book is becoming a bit too straining on my eyes, and that tiny print on aspirin bottles?  Forget about it!

I know I need new  eyeglasses, but they are so expensive.  I had budgeted in to our annual health savings account for this year, but a couple of other things came up that ate up that budget, so I’m having to wait.  My prescription sunglasses are at least a year older than my regular glasses, and that prescription is slightly different too.  My insurance only covers up to a certain dollar amount, and that amount doesn’t even cover one pair of glasses, much less two pair.

I’ve been hearing a lot about the cheap eyeglasses from Zenni Optical. From what I understand, the only thing cheap about the glasses they offer is the price!  Seriously, even after my insurance pays their part, I still end up spending at least $150 by the time I get the bifocals and everything I need in the lens, and of course, I have a tendency to always find the most expensive pair of frames in the shop.  I’ve look at the Zenni website and I have found several frames that look almost identical to the expensive frames currently on my face.

I think it’s a great way to save money, and right now, I can use all the help I can get with our household budget!  Remember, we have a teenager and teenagers are constantly “needing” one thing or another that seems to require me to open my wallet, time after time!

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I just finished putting all the groceries away and setting the turkey in water in the sink to thaw. As of right now, our menu will include turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, green beans almondine, asparagus, fruit salad and rolls. For dessert we will have pumpkin pie and chocolate cream pie (made by my daughter). Of course any of this could change by Thursday!

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