June | 2010 | AuburnChick's Adventures

Now THAT’S Service!

Posted on June 17, 2010 by auburnchick

Although I was busy knitting socks this week (see previous post), that’s not the primary reason why I missed a few days blogging.

The culprit was this…

What is it, you might be asking yourself.

Well, that, my friends, was the battery to my MacBook Pro laptop.

It’s funny how life’s little journeys begin, eh?

You see, last week, I was innocently typing along when, all of a sudden, I realized that my mouse pad’s clicker was not clicking properly. In fact, it wasn’t clicking at all, and I was having a lot of trouble doing things that one should normally be able to do with the clicker.

At first, I thought it was me. I am, after all, AuburnChick, aka World’s Biggest Klutz.

I figured I had hit something wrong.

Well, after rebooting my computer, I still had the problem.

So, I did what I naturally do in such situations.

I visited Google, my favorite go-to-in-a-pinch-site.

I began reading what other people had done, and I tried their suggestions.

I ran the corner of a piece of paper under that button to see if I could dislodge any foreign objects that might be hiding underneath.

Nada.

I tried it again.

Nada.

I went back to Google, clicking on this or that…reading forums where others had asked for assistance.

Someone suggested removing the battery, which is located on the back side of the laptop (and directly underneath the mouse pad and clicker), blowing to remove hidden objects, and replacing the battery.

Well, when I turned my computer over, I noticed that my battery was weird-shaped…puffed out, in fact.

Hmmm…

This laptop is three years old. Could this be old age, I wondered?

Either way, removing the battery, blowing, and replacing did not fix the problem. However, I discovered that my clicker clicked when the battery was out.

Hmmm…

Much like a mom on a mission to find out who dunnit, I started seeing some pieces of the puzzle coming together.

I did more reading.

It would seem that I missed the memo (there really wasn’t one, but I don’t frequent techie forums unless I need help) that other Mac owners were having the same bulging battery issue.

I read that Apple had replaced some at no charge to the owners. Others had paid $129 for a new battery.

Hmmm…

The next morning, I called Apple Support.

Now, I must say. I paid a lot of money for my machine. I also paid extra for the Apple Care Protection Plan, which adds a couple of years to the original warranty.

Thank gosh.

The guy who answered the phone checked my records and discovered that I was STILL WITHIN WARRANTY!!!

Folks, when does this ever happen? How often does something break days AFTER such warranties expire?

Plus, this is AuburnChick we’re speaking of. Such luck does NOT happen to this gal.

Anyhoo, the guy warned me, though, that the battery was not covered under warranty.

Yeah. My bubble of happiness burst.

BUT, the guy continued, there were some circumstances when it would be replaceable at no cost.

Hope sprung in my heart.

He asked me several questions, which I answered. In the process, we discovered that some of my casing had been damaged because of the enlarged battery.

Oh my gosh!

At that point, I was transferred up a level to a Tier 2 tech guy. He made arrangements to have a new battery sent out…Fed Ex…OVERNIGHT!!!

Plus, I would also be receiving a box, postage-paid, to return the old battery. This was a requirement in order to avoid paying the $129 for the new battery.

You guys. Fed Ex is a scant .5 miles from my house. I could walk there. Did I mind taking the package? Heck no!

Oh, and this wasn’t all of the good news.

Apple would also be sending me a larger, pre-paid postage box in which to send my laptop, my precious baby, to the support center to check out the casing issue. The technician was concerned that other parts inside might have been affected.

And the angels sang.

Seriously.

I received my battery the next morning…before 9am!!! I could not believe it!! Oh, and I almost forgot. A scant 30 minutes after I had spoken to the tech the day before, I received e-mail confirmation that my battery had shipped.

In case you’re wondering, I took a picture of the old and new batteries, side-by-side…

Can you believe it?

I know I couldn’t!!

So, I replaced the battery and mulled over the decision to send the rest of the laptop in. Honestly, as a tech myself, I was concerned that my baby would not come back in the same shape as it left me.

I allowed myself to go through the weekend, my computer still in my possession. I needed the time to re-vamp my resume and fill out an application. Since I had 30 days to send it in with the pre-paid packaging, I wasn’t rushed.

However, I went ahead and decided to send it in on Monday. Apple had promised a 3-5 day turnaround.

So, pack it up, I did. The instructions in the box were very easy to follow. Apple had considered everything, including the various laptop sizes and the packaging materials. I had to poke out the most packaging since mine is a luxurious 17-inch.

And I waved my baby goodbye (when the Fed Ex clerk wasn’t looking, of course. Mustn’t totally embarrass myself).

I received a call two days later that my machine was in poor shape. There was dust galore inside of it, and the fans had stopped working. In addition, there had been a recall on the motherboard, which the warranty covered.

Oh yeah. That extra $100.xx I spent on the warranty was proving to be well worth it, eh?

So, Apple fixed my laptop, and Fed Ex delivered it bright and early this morning…before I started my morning session with the treadmill.

I was a good girl…finished my exercising BEFORE breaking open the box.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I kissed my laptop.

I really did.

Those who know me in person KNOW I really did this.

heehee

Contained within the package was an itemized list of what was repaird: the keyboard, two fans, two hinges (the laptop no longer squeals when I open it), several casings, and the graphics motherboard.

Oh my gosh.

I opened my laptop, turned it on, and it’s silent, except for the clicking of my fingers on the keys.

The fans seem to be working properly!

The trackpad is rough, which is wonderful. It’s proof positive that this is a new part.

Oh yeah.

I am one happy girl, let me tell you.

For those who might poo-poo the monstrous company that is Apple, I will just say that I love them. The customer service I received earned my loyalty. I will forever sing their praises because they cared enough to think about every detail, and they instilled a confidence that they would take good care of my precious computer-baby.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: apple, bulging laptop battery, macbook pro | 5 Comments »

Kai-Mei Socks

Posted on June 16, 2010 by auburnchick

If I were Catholic, I might find myself needing to go to confession:

“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned (against my blog). It’s been three days since my last post, but I had a very good reason. You see, I was working on a new pair of socks…”

These are called Kai-Mei, and the pattern is from Cookie A’s book, Sock Innovation.

The yarn was a gift from a dear online friend, Susan. It’s called Socks that Rock, and the color is Jade.

She sent me the yarn for my birthday, and when I saw the label, I was psyched! I’ve always seen patterns that used this yarn, so to actually get to knit with it…ahhhhh…sweet happiness!

Susan asked if I would be interested in knitting a Cookie A pattern together, and I happily jumped at the chance. Susan is a wonderful sock knitter, so I thought it would fun. I figured if we had any problems, we could bounce ideas off of each other.

I began this project on June 8th, and finished around 12:30am on June 16th. Yeah, I know, but once I got going, I couldn’t seem to stop! But see, the second sock was the fastest one I’ve ever knit…finished in just two days!!!!

I had to play around with the needle sizes a bit. I originally started out with 2.5mm, but I freaked a little after trying on the sock after only eight rounds. It looked way too large. So, I frogged and started over on size 0 (2.00mm) needles. I think this was perfect because my knitting is very loose.

So, let’s talk about the pattern. Cookie’s patterns can seem intimidating, if you’re only looking at the finished product and not reading the pattern line-by-line. This was a pretty easy one. It’s true that the panel of lace stitches runs down the side of each foot, but once I understood this construction, I literally flew through those rounds.

Pattern Notes: I completed 60 rounds of the leg, 20 rounds of the heel flap, and picked up 12 stitches on each side of the heel. I finished by knitting seven rounds of the lace panel. I used 115 grams of yarn.

The finished pair is very warm, thanks to a deceptive thick yarn. These are going to join the other pairs of hand knit socks…perfect for cold winter days.

A shout-out goes to Chicky who endured flying, biting bugs in 90+ heat and humidity with a minimal amount of complaining to take these photos. She did a great job!

Oh, and Susan, I can’t wait to see your finished pair!!

Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: Cookie A, kai-mei, Knitting, socks, socks that rock | 6 Comments »

A Flash from the Past

Posted on June 13, 2010 by auburnchick

I love Facebook.

Why?

Because it has enabled me to get back in touch with friends from the old days.

Sure, sure. I know I’m not that old…except to Chicky, who’s only 18 and thinks anyone over the age of 25 is old. But what does she know?

I was on Facebook on Saturday morning when I noticed that a high school classmate was on vacation here. I live near the beach, and everyone comes when they have time off from work.

So, I commented, telling her that she should look me up.

Well, another high school friend saw my comment and started a chat session.

Come to find out, she’d been here for two weeks and was leaving the next day. She invited me to stop by.

Now folks. I like to think of myself as sociable, but I’m really not.

I’m a hermit.

I admit that.

I don’t know why, but I get really nervous when I venture out to visit with people.

I lack self-confidence, I think.

Anyhoo, I surprised myself by accepting eagerly, jumping up to get showered and dressed.

I had not seen this friend in over 20 years.

Now, I’ve gotta tell you. High school was not kind to me. No, not that the friend I was visiting wasn’t kind. She was.

However, the high school experience, for the most part, was difficult.

I was ugly.

I lacked confidence (some things do not change).

I only made the cheer leading squad as an alternate…two years in a row…while I watched my sister make it year after year.

I played on the basketball team…only leaving the bench when we were too far behind to catch up or too far ahead to lose the game.

Gee, I wonder why I lacked confidence.

Anyhoo, I suspect that the affect of those experiences lingered…hence my itsy bit of trepidation.

However, every bit of it left as soon as “J” answered the door, her children hovering behind her.

Time melted away as we caught up with each other.

She told me how she’d wound up in Birmingham from our small little corner of LA (Lower Alabama), and I explained my journey through Alabama and Florida.

I watched as her young son played with monster trucks and her daughter played on the laptop.

We fixed sandwiches for lunch, and the topic of couponing came up. She was very interested, and I quickly explained the basics, even helping her set up Google Reader and subscribing her to some of my favorite couponing blogs.

In the wee span of three hours that I was at her beach house, we worked our way from discussing high school memories to parenting issues.

I left with my spirits lifted and bewildered as to why I had worried so much beforehand.

Don’t we all do this, though? We all doubt ourselves…

Will she like me? Will she think I’ve gained weight? Will she notice the white hairs sticking out? Will I say anything dumb?

Oy!

What I got, instead, was a reminder that much had changed.

We had matured into empathetic adults…mothers…with shared hopes for our children and concerns about work and relationships.

I couldn’t help but think about Chicky – newly graduated from high school.

I pray that she will set herself free from the worries that bound her during her school days and move on, toward newer, deeper friendships and appreciate the old days for what they were…a time of immaturity and a time best left where it exists…the past.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: friendships, high school | Leave a comment »

Everything is Kung-Fu

Posted on June 12, 2010 by auburnchick

The title of today’s post is just one of several memorable quotes from the movie The Karate Kid.

First, watch the movie trailer (love the song in it…I used that song on the soccer video I created for Chicky’s high school team)…

Oh yeah. Rooster, the Mr., and I went to our SECOND movie in TWO weeks, courtesy of two free movie tickets (thanks again, Coupon Queen, for providing the stuff I needed to take advantage of this offer). Rooster still had money on the movie theater gift card he had received for his birthday.

We splurged on popcorn, candy, and pink lemonade, but only because I was able to use three $1 coupons that we printed from the Sprint kiosk in the theater (see this link for more info).

Unbidden, Rooster threw in $6 of his own money to help pay for the snacks (so kind of him, eh?).

But I digress…

Let’s get back to talking about the movie!

We had seen a trailer for this movie two weeks ago, and we knew it was going to be good.

Let me just say that we were not disappointed!

Being an 80’s teenager, I knew I would be comparing the remake to the original. Who could ever forget Ralph Macchio’s portrayal, eh?

Wax on, wax off.

But I digress…again.

The NEW Karate Kid, starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, was INCREDIBLE!!

First off, filming was done in China (yes, I checked online just to make sure those weren’t sets). I read that the director cut down the number of people in his crews to enable them to access the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and, probably the neatest place, the temple where kung-fu originated.

The scenery is breathtaking!

The storyline is an emotional roller coaster ride. I laughed a lot and teared up a few times (danged 40 year-old hormones).

There were a few blips that reminded me of the original movie…subtle nuances that you KNOW came from that 80’s gem.

Jaden Smith proved himself as one charismatic actor. He has a lot of spunk…most definitely his dad’s son!!

And Jackie Chan…oh man…what can I say. You just fall in love with him. He plays his character in a most endearing way!!

Oh, and the villains! Of course, every movie has villains! I’ve gotta say that I LOATHED them!

If you like rooting for the underdog, this movie is for you.

If you like a movie with a bigger message, this one is for you.

I’m giving this movie two thumbs up minus a teensy bit of one thumbnail.

My only complaint is that Dre (aka Jaden Smith) utters a three-letter expletive THREE times in a row…very in-your-face.

I was mortified because there were lots of younger children in that theater! In fact, there was a four or five year old boy sitting beside me! Ugh.

This movie is best suited for upper elementary/middle school and above, I think. Mostly because there are a couple of beatings that are very difficult to watch. Two things I cannot stand watching in a movie (besides sexual scenes, of course) are women getting hit and children being hurt. Dre’s beatings are integral to the storyline, but I would not advise younger children see the violence.

Filed under: Saving Money, This-n-That | Tagged: Family Movie Night Publix offer, Karate Kid, movies | 2 Comments »

Casting On

Posted on June 11, 2010 by auburnchick

I came across a devotion this morning.

It is titled Casting Your Cares, and you can read it here.

The message is about giving God your worries…casting them upon Him.

As a knitter, the phrase “cast on” struck me.

This is what we knitters do when we begin projects. We “cast on” the stitches – placing the yarn upon the needles. These stitches are what we use to create our fibery works of art. The needles are the tools that we use to make the patterns interesting. Our hands are what ultimately hold those needles, controlling whether we’re knitting a knit or purl stitch, or even doing a yarn over.

I looked up the word cast, and it literally means to throw.

The Bible commands us to throw our concerns to God.

Boy, do I need to do this…daily. I need to put my worries squarely on God’s shoulders (what I might consider the needles) and trust that in His hands, those stitches – the good and the bad (as knitters, we’re known to mess up) the pattern WILL be perfect and beautiful in the end.

Filed under: Christian, Knitting | Tagged: casting on, Christianity, Knitting | 2 Comments »

More Free Stuff!

Posted on June 10, 2010 by auburnchick

I’m not trying to make you jealous…I’m really not.

Cross my heart.

I just can’t help but share (not gloat, mind you) my savings. I hope by sharing that I inspire you to get out there, hunt for the coupons, and get some free stuff for yourselves!

My latest finds…

Yep…15 containers of Skinny Cow ice cream.

Over $25 worth of smooth, delicious dessert yumminess.

All I paid was tax.

Go to this link (she’s a wonderful resource of deals, by the way) to read about how you can stock your own freezer with these treats (don’t forget to use your CVS rewards card, which gives you the sale price). Oh, and go to Facebook and “like” Skinny Cow. Then click on the Fan Exclusives tab for the link to another $1/1 coupon.

Walgreens has the following available for free this week…

The way to get these free is by purchasing the 36 count, which is on sale for $8.99. As soon as the cashier rang up the larger box, the smaller box popped up as a “gift.”

Go to Hot Coupon World’s coupon database to find out where to obtain $1 coupons on the product. I used two (one per box), which allowed me to pay only $6.99 for both!

You see? I’m not a miracle worker. I’m just a gal who keeps reading the couponing blogs I’m subscribed to in Google Reader. I keep in mind the things I need to keep in stock (no, ice cream is not a need but a much welcome treat for Rooster after spending hours outside, in the sun, for summer band camp).

Now, go forth, print your coupons, and get your free stuff!

Filed under: Saving Money | Tagged: couponing, hip2save, Saving Money | 2 Comments »

UPS Delivers a Package

Posted on June 9, 2010 by auburnchick

Yesterday was Rooster’s last day of school.

Not only did he have summer vacation to look forward to, but he, along with the Mr. and myself, were anticipating the arrival of a special package. The UPS guy looked at me strangely when I told him I could hug him for delivering it an hour earlier than expected…

I called the Mr., announcing the appearance of the UPS guy, with the above box. He left work a little early in anticipation.

I was a little concerned when I saw the corner of the box smooshed in, but not to worry. Whoever packed it had left plenty of room inside, filling the top half with packing bubbles…

Upon removal of the green stuff, we saw this…

I pulled out the little boxes and lined them up on the table…

Four Sprint HTC Evo phones. Rooster had asked for one for his birthday, and Chicky was getting her’s for graduation.

The Mr. and I got our’s because we’re the parents of such wonderful children.

heehee

Since Chicky is out of town at a church camp, it was just the Mr., Rooster, and me…sitting around the table, admiring the unique packaging of our new toys…

After lifting the lid, I saw this…

Ahhh…I just love getting new gadgets. I love the way the parts are sealed in little plastic bags, cords kept neatly wound with twistie ties.

After installing the battery, it was finally time to turn the phone on…

Oh you guys…the smiles that spread across our three faces…well, it was something else, I tell you.

We ooohed and ahhhhed as the HUGE screens filled with images. The colors are so VIBRANT too!! Look at how the Evo compares to my old phone, the Instinct…

We went to Best Buy today and bought durable hard covers. Of course, having the fun personality that I do (no comments from the peanut gallery…i.e. my family…), I did not want plain black, opting for purle instead…

Of course, I used a $10 Rewards certificate to offset the cost. Rooster also threw in the $5 he had left on a giftcard. I also have a 10% coupon that isn’t good until the 11th. The cashier told me I could take the coupon back and get reimbursed for the difference, so in the end, I will have saved almost $25.

Oh, and see the bar going across the bottom on the back? That’s a kickstand (sorry, no picture of the phone set up that way). This phone plays music, so you can set it up on its stand and dance to your heart’s content (the speaker is on the back, by the way.

We spent hours trying to figure out how to use the features.

One of the neatest features of this phone is the capability to download apps to it, for the Evo is, in fact, Sprint’s Android phone.

Of course, the first thing I downloaded was Jewels, which is similar to Bejeweled Blitz.

I also installed Papi Jump…

Rooster found another game he knew I’d like…Poke a Mole…

This game is near and dear to my heart. You see, when I was growing up, my family took many trips to Six Flags in Atlanta. One of our favorite games to play there was this one. Each family member welded a mallet and banged the heck out of those little moles! I was quite good at the game and won several prizes.

The other game I downloaded was Paper Toss…

This is a game everyone plays in real life…all of us trying to ring the basket at home or at work. Virtually, it is a ton of fun and very addicting!

A very neat app I found today was the Barcode Scanner…

This app uses the camera on the phone to scan the barcode of an item. It then searches for the product and displays product reviews and prices (making comparison shopping easier). I have not had a chance to fully test this out, but I did, for fun, scan my Sock Innovation book. The app displayed a list of six or seven places I could purchase it, along with the prices. Very cool!

There are just so many neat features of this phone!! There are several different customizable screens, so it’s a sure bet that no setup will be the same.

It’s going to take me a while to discover everything, so the newness won’t wear off any time soon!

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: android, cell phones, Spring Evo | 3 Comments »

Wednesday Wickedness

Posted on June 8, 2010 by auburnchick

Well, I started to write a post that simply said, “AuburnChick can’t come to the blog right now. She’s playing with her new phone and is trying to find a moment to cast on a new project,” but then I got invited to join a new meme, so I figured, why not?!

While Linda’s taking a break from the Random Dozen, I’m going to participate in the Wednesday Wickedness meme, found here.

If you want to join in, click on the link above, post your own answers, and link back!

Today we picked Frank Sinatra. Here’s Wednesday Wickedness!

1. “I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day.” How often do you drink alcohol?

Not too often. I enjoy Amaretto Sours and Amaretto Spritzers, but there’s not enough alcohol in them to do anything to me. I’m loopy enough as it is! I don’t need any help in that department!

2. “The best revenge is massive success.” Have you ever gloated or wanted to over success?

Oh yes, I’ll admit that I have. Years ago, when my high school class was getting ready to have its ten-year reunion, I began to plan the way I would glide in, beautiful children in tow, and brag about my wonderful life. As it turned out, Rooster started kindergarten the Monday after the reunion, and I knew I could not make both events. So, I chose to stay home and take him to school that first day, completely missing my gloat session. It was a lesson in humility, and I am SO grateful that God worked circumstances this way.

3. “You gotta love livin’, baby, ’cause dyin’ is a pain in the [butt].” What do enjoy most about your life?

Hmmm…I think it depends on the day. Right now, I enjoy the freedom that I have with my children growing older. I feel like I’ve raised them to be independent, and now I’m reaping the rewards.

4. “I’m not one of those complicated, mixed-up cats. I’m not looking for the secret to life…. I just go on from day to day, taking what comes.” Do you ever overthink a situation in your life?

I’m a woman, and a mom to boot. Of course I over think situations in my life! I over think conversations, actions, and the could-have’s/should-have’s.

5. “I would like to be remembered as a man who had a wonderful time living life, a man who had good friends, fine family – and I don’t think I could ask for anything more than that, actually.” Tell us about your best friend.

Ahhh…my best friend…her name is Christina. She and I have never met face-to-face. We met online in a knitting chat room. After her son was in a horrific accident, I began calling her every day, and we forged an unbreakable bond. Despite the distance, we speak on the phone nearly every day. She always listens, without judging, but she’ll smack me with the truth if I need it. I heart her very much.

6. “I like intelligent women. When you go out, it shouldn’t be a staring contest.” How important is intelligence when picking (or having picked) a s/o to you?

Hmmm…I think that we all have our strong points. Two people make a good match as long as their strengths and weaknesses complement each other.

7. “I drink to the confusion of our enemies.” What’s the closest situation that you’ve had to dealing with an enemy?

I think my greatest enemy is Satan, who whispers words of doubt into my mind. I deal with this enemy every day and will continue to do so until either the Lord returns or I join God in heaven.

8. “Orange is the happiest color.” What’s your favorite color?

I love cornflower blue. It makes me think of a cloudless sky…oh so beautiful and pure.

9. “Dare to wear the foolish clown face.” Are you ever a clown?

Oh yeah, am I ever…especially when I’m subbing. I think that’s one reason why the kids like me so much. I don’t take myself too seriously and try to show them that I can be fun.

10. “Don’t get even, get mad.” Have you ever tried getting even?

Um, well, I’m human. I’m sure I’ve gotten even before. Now, though, I try to get even in positive ways…like when someone tells me I can’t do something. I am determined to prove them wrong, thus getting “even” in the end.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Wednesday Wickedness | 8 Comments »

What Did AuburnChick Get Free Today?

Posted on June 7, 2010 by auburnchick

Ahhh…one nice thing about getting the day off is having time to think!

Yeah, yeah. No comments from the peanut gallery.

Seriously. With the house quiet, I was able to read couponing blogs, focus on my objective (to spend as little money as possible), and think!

By 11:15, I had visited Target twice, returning home with these free goodies…

The reason I was there twice was because when I went the first time, I spied the above razor, on an endcap (facing the inside aisle, not the main, outside aisle). Look at the clearance sticker…

Well, I happened to have the 6/6/10 Proctor & Gamble insert with me, and inside was a $4 off of the razor!!

It took every bit of law-abiding good sense not to speed home and right back to pick up my second coupon.

As it was, I actually went home after the first trip, got Chicky to church so she could leave for a camp, and then returned. I probably looked like one of those speed walkers as I made my way back to that endcap.

As I approached, I saw two ladies eyeballing my endcap.

HELLO…you better pray you’re not thinking of getting MY razor, I wanted to shout.

But I didn’t.

What I did do was excuse myself as I slid between them, arm reaching up and out for that razor, explaining that this item was the main thing I had gone shopping for.

I dared not look at them. Who knows what they might have thought.

Who cares.

I made money on that transaction, using the overage to pay for a couple of other items.

After, I ran a couple of other errands, finally winding up at Taco Bell, where I took advantage of a coupon for free Margarita Freeze…

Gosh!

The tarty rush of delight was a shock. Soooooo yummy!! It felt almost wrong to be standing inside the house while drinking it. I should have been on the beach!!

Anyhoo…

Next, I sat down and went through Southern Saver’s Publix list, pulling coupons and THINKING.

I came home with a passel of groceries.

I only paid $32 and some change, saving over $70 and 67% overall.

Several of the above items were free…

Several items were nearly free. I paid a scant $.03 (yes, that’s three cents) for each loaf of bread and less than a quarter for both the deli meat and deli cheese. Each box of granola bars was $1.

Of course, the $6 toilet paper brought my total up, but hey, what can I say.

When I got home from shopping, the mail had arrived.

Among the items, I found the following box…

Inside was…

That, my friends, is the newest Gillette Fusion razor, complete with battery and everything.

I got it free by “liking” Gillette on Facebook and watching for the announcement to head over to a youtube site to sign up for a free razor. The company gave away thousands of these over the course of a few weeks.

I won mine last week. I am impressed with how fast it came! The Mr.’s eyes lit up when he saw it.

So, it was a good day for getting free stuff.

Oh, and before I forget, did anyone take advantage of the National Donut Day last week? Several shops offered customers free donuts. I headed over to Krispy Kreme and picked up my favorite flavor…