Consumers Unite 8: And the winner is...

Cool site ranking in their opinion the top 1-10 products and services...  Check it out...  http://www.toptenreviews.com/

TEAM ICAN

False Friends - Coarse Toys

Consumers Unite Rule #7: D.I.Y.

Sometimes if you want something done right and CHEAP, you gotta do it yourself.  My wife's SUV recently had one of the LCD digital display panels burn out.  It just so happened that I was already taking her vehicle to be serviced at the dealer so I asked my service guy for an estimate for the cost to repair.  His response was, "Man..., its so expensive you don't even wanna know, it ain't worth it.".  Once I heard that response, I decided to end the conversation right then and there.

So I ended the converation but I didn't give up on fixing the issue.  I decided to consult my buddy, the good ole' Internet.  After a few minutes of searching, I found a couple of forums on the problem I needed to fix with directions and even photos!  I called another local dealer's parts dept. and ordered 3 LCD bulbs for $16.  Out of curiosity I did get a quote on labor which would have cost about $100.

Warning:  Please try this at home.

I just installed the bulbs about an hour ago and it took me about 15 minutes.

Rule #7:  There is nothing wrong with doing somethings yourself.  Just make sure you educate yourself 1st on what it is you need to do and then make an educated decision on whether you can do it or not.  You'll save yourself quite a bit of money through the course of the year.  In this one example, I saved $100.  D.I.Y.!

Consumers Unite Rule #6: I trust you, but.....

Always check you bill.  Simple statement, but that's all it boils down to at the end of the day....

I use automatic bill pay for my OOMA service (VOIP) voice over IP, which allows me to run my home phone line via the Internet.  I've been using it for a few months now and so far so good....its pretty cool, I used to pay $55/mo. for home phone, now I pay $3.47.  I'll break even on upfront hardware costs in about 5 months.

Anyway, with OOMA you only have to pay the local/state phone tax ($3.47) for where I live, however they offer a lot of "premier" services I don't need.  I was somehow charged under the premier status this month.  Honest mistake... ; )  Apparently they were giving me a free trial service of the premier and my trial period was over.  It ended well, I spoke with customer service and they refunded me the additional charge with no issue.

Rule:  Always check your bill, you'd be surprised how many times it can be wrong (funny how they never mess up and not charge you enough...its always too much...)  Also, beware of the "trial" periods for phone, cell, magazine, cable, etc.....the reason they do this is with hopes that either 1) they hope we're too lazy to pay attention to our bill and/or 2) we actually like the trial service and decide to keep and pay for it  (nothing wrong with that..)

Don't put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.

Its a great saying that came to mind in my Sunday morning Bible study class my friend Billy taught on that discussed the book of Haggai.


Haggai 1:1-13, 2:4, 2:23

In summary, God had instructed the Jews to finish the temple in Jerusalem when they returned from captivity, but after 15 years they had not completed the job. They had gotten caught up with finishing their own homes and projects than finishing God's work. The prophet Haggai encouraged them to get their acts together and finish the task. We can probably think of dozens of things that are always on our to do list....

For me, this was not so much a story of disobendience as it was a story of encouragement. God has a purpose for all of us not matter who you are.... Its up to us to seek Him out and determine what it is that he wants to accomplish. Out of this story we can seek comfort in 2 things on our journey.

1) God is not expecting you to go out there and do it all by yourself. He is always with us for encouragement. (Haggai 2:4)"Be strong, all you poeple of the land, declares the Lord, and work. For I am with you, declares the Lord Almighty".

2) (2:23)"...for I have chosen you, declares the Lord Almighty." God promises us strength and guidance when we give him first place in our lives..

The task may not be easy but we can find comfort that God will encourage us along the way and guess what? He has chosen You. If God has enough confidence in us to carry out His will, surely we can belive in ourselves.

What's the task that God has for you to complete?

You can because He did!

Consumers Unite Rule #5: What are you taking?

Consumers Unite Rule #5:  As consumers we should share with others when we identify products and/or services that could potentially truly be of benefit to others. After this blog feel free to share what's worked for you.

We live in a age of supplemental creams, gels, pills, drinks, etc... on down the list.... What's good? What's bad? Who knows.....

Well, what I've decided to do is share what I've been taking and what's worked for me....

1) Glucosamine - a supplement based on shellfish and can be synthetic but is designed to reduce destruction and pain in the joints.  See you doctor 1st if you  have allergies to shellfish.  I've been taking Nutrilite's Raspberry Joint Health for a couple of years now and it has really provided relief on my knees. There is a definite relief in knee pain when I take this supplement. It comes in 20 twist tubes and one twist tube is mixed with 16 oz. of water. I take one daily.

2) Daily Multivitamin - BORRIINNNGG!!! I know...not a sexy supplement but it is what it is.... I've been taking the Nutrilite Daily Multivitamin for about 2 years now as well. It gives me a good balance of energy to get through the day especially for the ability to get up for those 5:30 AM runs. You get 90 tables (3 mo. supply) in one bottle. Pill is min. size (I hate the horse pills). Take 1 pill per day with a meal.

*Disclaimer - I am not a paid endorser of these products, (although I should be!!) just a consumer. If I couldn't honestly sign off on these products I would not support them.*

So where can I get them?

Visit https://gillenterprises.wwdb.biz/pws/home.aspx to purchase any Nutrilite products. Allen Gill is the rep, also a member of Team I CAN, and he will take good care of you.

Again, feel free to share any nutritional supplements you can vouch for as well.

Take care!!

"I get to....."

I just read a great article in Runner's World magazine. If interested, its in the May 2010 issue on p. 60 titled "Feeling Lucky?" It touched me because the message was so true and its one that I've actually used to stay on a steady and consistent schedule to working out and staying in shape.

The author, Kristin Armstrong, talks about looking at working out (walking, running, etc...) as something that you GET TO DO versus something that you HAVE TO DO. For those that are physically able, we GET TO go out for a run or go walking on that trail. I'm sure there are many that wish they had that opportunity but are not able. Do me a favor, before your next workout, get into the mindset of what you are getting an opportunity to experience. And guess what? If you like it, let's apply it to some other aspects of your life as well. Trust me, it works. Still not sure? I'll go 1st....

1. I get to wake up and go for a morning run.
2. I get to go to work everyday and earn an honest wage.
3. I get to pay bills.
4. I get to take my daughter to track practice and track meets. I get to sit and wait no matter how hot it is outside. ; )
5. I get to go to the grocery store.
6. I get to take my car to the mechanic and get a brake job and have an oil leak repaired. (just happened today...)
7. I get to go to the gym and lift weights until I get that burn that makes your muscles feel like jelly....
8. I get to run my own business and handle all aspects. Even the accounting....AGGHHHH!!
9. I get to return library books.
10. I get to watch what I eat and do it all in moderation.

Get the idea?......Now you try.

You can because He did.

For the Thirtysumthins'.....

What's wrong with this picture?!?!

I'm at a loss for words.....well, meet the smoking baby.....

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/video/article300101.ece?vxSiteId=0bc72527-aa8e-4487-a5e8-94aae448c9dd&vxChannel=Sun%20Exclusive&vxClipId=1347_SUN45366&vxBitrate=300

I Am

"That boy good', "yeah good and terrible!"

Wash Yo' Hands!

I've held my tongue long enough, and after today I can't hold it off any longer. I've been quiet about this for too long. My hand has been forced.

FELLAS!! Please wash your hands after taking caring of business in the bathroom!

I will be petitioning that it be illegal for dudes who use the bathroom and don't wash their hands. For doing #1 w/o post soap = 1 year in jail. For doing #2 w/o post soap = 2 years in jail. Sentence has to be served like federal time, no time off for good behavior.

Maybe I'll start my own show, I think I'll call it "To Catch A Non-Hand Washer".

Do ladies deal with this same problem?

So what are we to do while we wait for me to get this law passed? Here are a few signs to look out for to identify a habitual non-hand washer.

1. Look out for the guy that's too eager to shake your hand. I don't know the correlation, just trust me.
2. Been known to drive a yellow car at some point in time.
3. Appears to be very neat and clean. (attempt to throw us off the trail...)
4. Nose picker (tissue not included).

Be careful out there, know that we all work with these guys and we need to flush'em out (no pun intended).

Good luck

Your Passion's Fruit

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of celebrating a major accomplishment with my best friend. She was being honored at a banquet as Teacher of The Year for her school. I'm so proud of her because I knew way back when (4 years ago), she was working a dead end job, hating every minute of it, and teaching was just a dream.

However, little did I know, God was busy orchestrating a major plan in her life. His plan was to FORCE her on course to pursue her passion. She had talked many years about being a teacher and working with kids but for one reason or another (being a mom, supporting her husband in graduate school, etc.) she hadn't gotten around to it. Now, she had to take a good hard look at her life and what she wanted to accomplish in a career.

She decided to pursue her life long passion of becoming a school teacher. Now I must tell you, it didn't start of all peaches and cream. She went from a well-paying salaried job to working at a daycare for an hourly wage (how much an hour? she didn't know or care....seriously!). I thought it was nuts....little did I know, I was the nut.

I can only assume that $$$ and all that other stuff didn't matter because she was pursuing her passion. From that point on, I've watched her bear beautiful fruit from pursuing her passion.

The moral? Pursue your passion. Even its not in the form of a career, maybe its a hobby. But do pursue your passion and watch in amazement the kind of fruit you can bear. What's your passion's fruit?

I'm very proud of my wife and little does she know, her story has been a major inspiration in my life and I share it whenever possible to help people realize what can happen in their lives when they go after their passion.

Don't Be 'Scaarrred'!

My people, my people, my people.....I missed you all. It has been a while because I've been sick. For those of you who know me personally, I thank you for your prayers. They worked. I'm not 100% yet but I am well enough to type, so here I am.

This post has been weighing on my heart for a while to share and I couldn't wait another day to post. It is comprised of Bible study notes I gathered from my former pastor, Bill Langley in a series dated 2/11/2009.



My notes are condensed as best as possible so you get all the meat and none of the fat, gristle...you know what I mean? The best part of the pork chop, that little round section that's the most tender part? I call it the "booty" (See Exhibit A), sorry I don't know the formal term. You know I'm country! I digress. Sorry. Let's go!












Exhibit A

This lesson is on the topic of fear and worrying. How do we cope on dark days? Why did this happen to me? What did I do wrong? What if ______? I don't know if I can make it....etc.

Read Psalm 23

1. Dark days are inevitable.
2. Dark days are unpredictable. They are unexpected and can come at the worst times. Jeremiah 4:20 - Disaster follows disaster; the whole land lies in ruins. In an instant my tents are destroyed, my shelter in a moment. (NIV)
3. Dark days don't play favorites. No one gets a free ride. (Us Christians included....) Matthew 5:44-45 - ..........He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (NIV)
4. Dark days are temporary. 1 Peter 1:6-7 - In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (NIV)
5. Dark days have a purpose. Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
6. Dark days help me develop character. Some may say, "well..I've had enough character development in my life!" : )

SOLUTION: What to do in the dark days!!!

1. Refuse to be discouraged. Never forget in the dark what God has shown you in the light. Psalm 23:4 - ....I will fear no evil.
2. Remember that God is with you. God not only promises His power but also His presence.
3. Rely on God's protection and guidance.

In closing, a few facts to know about shadows ("shadow of death")....

1. Think about it, shadows are always bigger than reality.
2. Shadows can't hurt you.
3. A shadow can't exist without a light.

I pray this is helpful to someone, like I said its been on my heart for a long time to post these notes. It has helped me out a lot. Have a great week (Spring Break! for some of you)!!

Are you finished yet?

I was talking to my homeboy Chauncey the other day and somehow we got on the subject of "finishing". Actually, it came up when he started telling me the story of how he was playing a game of 21 with his buddy and the score was 20-15. He had the 20 and was at the free throw line with the opportunity to score the winning basket. "Ant?" "Yeah?", I replied. "Do you know that I lost that game?" He went on to say that it didn't matter how well he played up to the 20 points, he didn't go all the way.

I began to ponder the times in my life when I wanted to quit something. There have been times when I wanted to quit and I did, and other times when I wanted to but didn't...thankfully the latter is more often the case in my life. I gotta tell you, the pain of finishing is nothing in comparison to the pain of NOT finishing. Why run 26 miles and not finish out the 0.2 Crazy, right?

Here's some tips on helping you finish:

1. Proverbs 16:3, Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (Self explanatory)
2. Surround yourself with people that have either done it or are working towards a common goal. I love positive peer pressure.
3. One bite at a time. (i.e. Don't think about the 4 years to complete the college degree, focus on one semester at a time...)

"No Outside Food or Drinks!" Consumers Unite Rule #4

"Dad! It says no outside food or drinks!" I crack up laughing to this day when I think about one time when I took my daughter to the movies and I thought I'd be slick and smuggle in a few "homemade" hotdogs into the movies for us. She outed me as soon as we walked up to the movie ticket counter and she saw that "NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS." sign. Wow, one of the few times when I felt like laughing, a little angry, proud, and embarrased all at the same time. You gotta love being corrected by a 7-yr old.

Hey, can you blame me? I didn't feel like paying $20 for 2 hotdogs...... Before you call me Mr. Cheepo, check out this CNN article, http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/108729/americas-biggest-ripoffs

Oh, and yes she and I grubbed out on our "homemade" hotdogs. What's my rule? I guess I'd have to say every once and a while we all have to step back and assess the value in what we are buying. Am I willing to pay a 900% markup on popcorn? Maybe, maybe not. Its different for all of us, but know your limits. I don't suggest breaking the law to get there, but I do suggest being creative when the opportunity lends itself....

Tip: When wrapping up your hotdog in foil only use the really thin foil, you know the kind the lady at your church used to serve the hotdogs in during lunch at Vacation Bible School back in the day. Some of yall' know what I talkin' about. It still keeps it warm and isn't as noisy..... Grabbing condiments at the movies is real suspect, I suggest doing that at home.

Consumers Unite! Rule #3

Ahhhhh!!! Don't you just love that automated person you get when you are calling a company's customer service?? I'm convinced you have to imitate their voice for them to understand you correctly. ""Y-E-S" "N-O"....I said "N-O-O-O-O-!-!"

I wonder why they don't use them when you're calling to sign up for their product/service. Oh yeeeaaah, I remember, because they suck!!

A buddy of mine sent me this link that I must now share with the world!! http://gethuman.com/customer-service.html

Don't you love the name of the site. It sure beats what I normally do. I just scream "OPERATOR" at every prompt until I finally get someone with a pulse....(try dealing with this in a cubicle environment, everyone thinks you're nuts)

Hopefully this will help you avoid waiting while calling various company's customer service 800 number and quickly get you to a live person. I hope this helps, enjoy!

Just a little bit.......

Sorry people, its been a little while, my goal is to post at least once a week, but I refuse to post something just for the sake of posting...here we go!

I won't get on my soap box again about New Year's Resolutions since I video blogged about it last year this time www.youtube.com/icanclothing but I can't help but touch on the resolutions thing again.... The bottom line is I want everyone to accomplish their goals whether they started Jan. 1 or Nov 1., doesn't matter.

As we all plan our goals/resolutions/draw our lines in the sand let's remember that Rome wasn't built in a day. Let's look at some typical New Year's resolutions.....

1. Lose 15 lbs.+ or
2. Gain 15 lbs.+ (hey! skinny people like me need love too!)
3. Join a gym and workout 3 times a week.
4. Read a book a month.
5. Get finances in order.
6. Run everyday.
7. Walk everyday.
8. Lose weight.
9. Get in shape.
10. Lose weight.
11. Get in shape.
12. Did I mention lose weight and get in shape?

Alright, nothing wrong with any of these resolutions or any combination of them. I think we all should just remember to take on a little bit at a time. Hey! You wanna to read a book a month and you haven't finished one book in the last 3 years. Maybe start with today's newspaper. I wanna blog everyday and I have trouble blogging once a year. Maybe I start once a month. Baby steps... We want to run a marathon and we haven't started walking. It can be done, you just need to "take your time young man, momma used to say!" (sorry.....old school "Mama Used To Say" - Junior)

I heard Dr. Ian Smith recommend to focus on just one goal every 6 weeks. I liked the idea and it made a lot of sense. Focusing on one goal helps keep us from getting overwhelmed. Once we get one goal under control and on track, then we can add on.

Just remember, we need to focus on one thing at a time and we can get there. We won't let one or two slip ups, mess ups, screw ups, trip ups, stop us from our goal. Anything we're doing now towards our goal is an improvement to what we were doing before (we hope, right?). Let's give ourselves a little credit.

It's 21 days into your New Year's Resolution, if you've fallen already, GET UP, dust yourself off and start today.

Have a wonderful 2010.

Can I Blend My Way to a Healthy Diet?

I was in Sam's Club a couple of months ago and this guy was doing a demo of the "Vita-Mix 5200". I'm a sucker for those in-store demos....My daughter and I made the mistake of sticking around for the demonstration as well as tasting the smoothie he mixed up for us.

Now since that time I can't get my mind off of this high-powered super-megatron blender. A little history...In the last 2 1/2 years I've gone through 3 blenders....I'm simple fascinated with this thing, not sure why...maybe...

1. Its because I never thought I'd be pondering the insane idea of spending $450 for a blender...

2. Because I hate raw vegetables and this sounds like a great idea to get'em in....

3. Because I don't have a blender as we speak, the last one broke down 2 weeks ago. Debating on whether to save up for the "big dog" blender or spend less than $40 for another one to destroy in a year.

4. Because I watched this guy pulverize whole apples, oranges, cauliflower, and spinach into a delicious shake.

Does anyone have this blender or something similar? Is anyone creating smoothies out of raw fruits and veggies?

Disclaimer: I do not own a Vita-Mix and obviously I'm not a paid endorser.