My phone is back & a consumer tip

In an effort to save money after combining our accounts, I "downgraded" my iPhone about a month ago. In its place I purchased the cheapest, simplest phone I could find. It wasn't long ago that I used a basic phone, so how hard could it be to return to one?

Truth? I made it a couple weeks. Not being able to check my e-mail when I was out was a tad bit annoying, but the kicker was not having navigation. I got lost on the way home from one of Carina's playdates. Momma clearly needs her Google Maps.

But, I didn't want to have to pay for the extra crap they require you to have for the iPhone. So, I Tweeted at AT&T and asked them to call me (so much easier than waiting on hold for 45 minutes - I swear I die a little inside each time I have to listen to an automated answering system). I explained the issues and frustrations we have had with AT&T lately (long boring story), that we are both {very} long time customers, and that we'd hate to have to switch to another carrier with much cheaper plans but with another baby on the way money is really tight. They said they'd have their business office call me the next day.

And call, they did. Magically, they were able to get M's Yale discount applied to our account (which wouldn't go through previously for some unknown reason) and they offered us unlimited texting (a $30 value) FREE for 2 years. After these changes, we could go back to exactly what we had before, and still save >$20 a month. At least for the next 2 years. We can revisit this all then.

No more crap phone, Mom?

My iPhone 3G is on its last leg - it takes about 5 minutes for Facebook to load, so I opted to upgrade to a new smartphone. Since it was free, I ordered the brand new Nokia Lumia 900 which just arrived, and is currently charging. Can't wait to try it out.


Consumer tip - in my experience, if you call or e-mail customer service for any company/service, there is a high likelihood that you will not be satisfied with the outcome. If you have a Twitter and/or Facebook account, I recommend Tweeting or making a status update tagging/@mentioning the company. When you voice your complaints and concerns in a public forum, {again, in my experience} you are more likely to hear a response in a timely and pleasant manner.

Example: when we moved from Wisconsin to Connecticut we were quite surprised to see that we don't get any cell phone service. I e-mailed AT&T and they told me I could purchase a Micro-Cell signal enhancer for $200. I told them they were crazy; no way we're paying that much money because their service in the middle of a populated city is sub par. I told them it should be free. No dice. They didn't even respond to my e-mail asking them who else I could contact within the company. Then, I tried Twitter. After @mentioning AT&T telling them I thought it was wrong that we had to pay because their service is lacking, within a week, a free Micro-Cell was on our way to us. Score 1 for social media.


Have you had any luck contacting companies via social media?

I pulled it off!

I've been a bit scarce lately, not only because we are spending time with M's family in Philly, but because I have been spending quite a bit of time planning a 40+ person surprise graduation party for M.

With the help of M's family, it went off without a hitch last night! There was tons of food, beer, wine, and {most importantly} family and friends. M had no idea; when he walked in he looked so confused. He was so ecstatic when he finally realized what was going on.

I even went so far as to track down a few of his friends he hadn't seen in 5+ years! It was such a fantastic night, and M finally got to celebrate his huge accomplishment.

Nerdy cake

Cutting the cake...

...with a small sword

What, you don't cut your cakes with a tiny machete?

Needless to say, I am a bit tired. And because I was busy restocking food and getting drinks for everyone I completely forgot to take any pictures other than the few above. Carina was so cute in her party dress, too. Oh well :)

My Breastmilk's Excellent Adventure

While Carina and I arrived in Philly on the early flight, unfortunately my breastmilk did not.

I had painstakingly packed away my remaining 150+ ounces of frozen milk in two thermal tote bags with lots of ice, and many prayers. I knew there was a good chance the milk wouldn't remain frozen, but faced with this or ascertaining a large quantity of dry ice, a cooler, and paying to ship it, I chose the former.

When we arrived at the airport and were notified about the staggering delays, I thought about taking the milk out of my checked luggage and carrying it with me instead. In retrospect, I probably should have done this, but I was already traveling with Carina, umbrella stroller, and diaper bag, and I didn't know how I could manage two more {sizable and heavy} bags.

Carina and I snagged the last seat on an earlier flight to Philly (yay!) but when we arrived around 9 PM it became clear my milk didn't make it. I told the US Airways baggage claim employee, Judy, that my milk was on the later flight and I was so sad that it was going to spoil.

The flight ended up getting in around 3 AM (again, SO GLAD we made the earlier flight). I received a call from Judy at 6 AM letting me know she found my bag, took out the totes and put them in their employee freezer. Somehow, my milk was still frozen after almost 18 hours.

So thank you for saving my stash, Judy at US Airways in Philly, my breastmilk guardian angel. Carina and my boobs thank you.

We picked it up a little later that morning and stuffed it in the freezer at my Mother-in-Law's work (wouldn't fit at their house), then brought it on the drive to Connecticut a couple days later, stuck it in the hotel freezer there, and then finally on Monday it found it's new permanent home in the freezer in our new apartment. Rock on, most resilient substance ever.

Safe and sound in our freezer

Placating fussy babies

Carina has been fussing continuously for the last 2 weeks. I think she misses M, who has been working 18+ hour days to finish his thesis. I know she isn't hungry, doesn't need a diaper change, and isn't tired. When cuddling and toys fail, what to do?

Sad sad baby

First, abandon all sense of dignity and pride.

Second, take tongue and insert it through grates of plastic baby jail.

SERIOUSLY

Last, watch as baby squeals in delight as she pokes at your tongue OVER and OVER again.

Bonus, she just might do it back. If she does, you will definitely want to watch, and grab the camera.





I cannot believe how hilarious my kid is.

Unfortunately as soon as I stopped flashing her my tongue, the screaming began again. Le sigh.

On Accepting Help (and the universe paid for my cheesecake)

It has always been hard for me to ask for help. Growing up I never asked my parents for help with my homework and I never sought out my teachers to inquire about receiving extra-help. Similarly, at work I very rarely asked my colleagues to explain things to me or assist me with projects. I am so anti-help that I usually even refuse it when someone offers. I don't really know what my problem is. It's not that I'm too proud; I think it's that don't want to put anyone out, or take up their precious time.

But you know the saying, desperate times...  So when two very lovely ladies I know in real life (who also read this blog) each offered to come watch Carina for a few hours this week so I could 1. get out of the house or pack for our move in less than two weeks and 2. prevent a complete nervous breakdown, I did what was really hard for me to do...accept.

Tuesday I got a few hours of packing in, and yesterday I went to Target and just wandered around for an hour. It was freeing. I didn't have to worry about Carina fussing, or rushing to get home so M could get to work. After Target I had a lovely lunch (below) at Barnes and Noble after perusing some books. That's a slice of Cheesecake Factory Godiva cheesecake, and I savored every bite as a shoveled it into my mouth. I almost couldn't finish it.

NOM

On my way out to the car I found a $20 bill. I looked left and right, but didn't see anyone at all. So, I pocketed it, smiled, and headed home to my happy smiling baby. I'm feeling relieved that just a few short hours to myself can make me feel this much better.

Do you have issues with accepting and/or asking for help?

P.S. Thank you so so much! (you know who you are) ;)