Bean's World

I'm back and with a Disney Discount!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:38:00 +0000

Well, the Disney trip went off with a MASSIVE success - something I will never forget in my lifetime - the first trip with my miracle boy. And we were able to do it cheaply and not feeling like we left out a thing. But that's for another post. Which I will get to soon - promise.

And I'm sorry that I haven't written anything but work has been INSANE since that time and I'm still trying to catch up.

But in the interim, I wanted to announce one discount you don't often see - a freebie from DISNEY!!!!

Yes, for those of you who still admit to having birthdays . . . Disney will give you a free day in the park on your actual day. Or, if you are one of the few who are lucky enough to have an annual pass to disney or are already paying for a package which includes tickets for your entire stay, they will give you a gift card to use ONLY on your birthday, in the amount of a one day ticket (adult price if you are an adult, kid price if you are a kid) to spend on merchandise - but there are restrictions.

Here is the link to give you the details.

My Disney Creations, Thanks to the Disboards, Part 1.

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:16:00 +0000

These are the family "outfits" I made, a t-shirt for Mr. Bean, one for me and a onesie for Lil' Bean. One of the family outfits we're going to wear for pictures at Chef Mickey's and the other is to wear for the Magic Kingdom, I haven't decided which - any suggestions? If you want to see a picture close up, just click on it.

Disney Creations I made thanks to the Disboards! Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:10:00 +0000

These are the onesies I made for Lil' Bean. The light blue ones are for the trip to Disney at the airport and say "I'm on my way to Disney and it's my first time!". The red one is for the trip home and says "I'm skating my way home from Disney!" because it has a hockey mickey on it (the sport Mr. Bean wants Lil' Bean to play). The orange one is actually for Halloween for Lil' Bean to wear during the day before he changes into his costume.

My Disney Creations thanks to the Disboard! Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Here are my bibs and pillowcases! I made the light blue pillowcase.

Other Ways to Save a Buck, Disney Style

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:08:00 +0000

So, as I said in a previous post, Mr. Bean, lil' Bean and I are doin' it Disney style this weekend. I'm SOOO excited because it is Lil' Bean's first trip and I never in a million years thought this day would come. As my original readers know, Mr. Bean and I are Disney fanatics, having gone twice while dating, on our honeymoon and almost every year since. But, with all of our fertility issues, on my part, we never thought we would get to share the joy with our very own child.

So, now that this day is finally here, we can't wait! In true discounting style, we are going now because we get free dining. That's right folks, all of our food is FOR FREE! This is actually our fourth year doing this. It makes life much easier not having to worry about paying for meals. We get one table service restaurant meal (which includes entree, drink and dessert), one counter service meal (sandwich/salad, drink, dessert) and one snack, which we usually use for breakfast (what is it about vacations that make you hungry for all three meals?). It's more food than you could possibly ever need, and still free!

Second, a couple of other discount things I have done this trip:

1. I need water for Lil' Bean for his formula and for us to not dehydrate. Florida water is YUCKY; but I don't want to pay $2.50 per bottle at Disney world. So what did I do? I ordered 24 1/2-liter bottles from Costco and had it delivered to my resort Wilderness Lodge for the low price of $7.80, including shipping!

2. I'm packing his formula, diapers, wipes and food in the suitcase so I don't have to buy it there.

3. I joined a group who pitched in together for the Disney Photopass CD so we could have the special Disney photographers take a zillion photos of us as a family in front of Cinderella's castle and more. So instead of paying $100, I only paid $16.99. And I can print as many or as little photos as I want. Even better, I was able to get in on a special photo session at the Disney Resort we are staying which is 30 minutes with a photographer with our family and only had to pay $25 instead of the normal $75 they charge because we bought the photopass CD early.

4. And my most fun project of saving items: I made some of our clothes and other items! You see, for Lil' Bean's first trip, I wanted to make some special disney t-shirts, onesies, bibs, and pillow cases to commemorate the event. So I had some great help from my friends at the Disboard create awesome designs so we could have "family" outfits for pictures at Disney I talked about in paragraph 3.

I then bought (1) 6 onesies for Lil' Bean for $2 each at Wal-Mart; (2) a light blue pillowcase for $2.50 from Wal-Mart (for characters to autograph at the Liberty Tree Tavern, Chef Mickey and Crystal Palace character restaurants); (3) 4 t-shirts for Mr. Bean and I for only $2 each at A.C. Moore when they had them on sale; and (4) I bought transfer paper from A.C.Moore, five sheets for $5.98, reg. $10.98. I bought 3 packets, in case of mistakes as this was my first time. I also cheated and had some designs given to Cafe Press who made me two bibs for $8 each and one really nice pillow for $15. The rest I made myself, using a regular printer and a cheap iron. It was surprisingly easy to do in spite of my initial fear in making them and ruining a shirt or something.

So, see how they turn out in the next post!

Scenario Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:42:00 +0000

I'm going to try a new series called "Scenario Sunday". Since I started all of this coupon craziness, all my Sundays are the same: (1) wake up early, (2) feed lil' Bean, (3) make the much needed coffee, (4) cut out all the new coupons in my two papers while lil' Bean plays and watches me in action, (5) coordinate my coupons with the savings from my fave stores CVS, Rite Aid, Target and Wal-Mart using Hot Coupon World, Money Saving Mom, A Full Cup and others I have listed before such as I Heart CVS and I Heart Rite Aid, (6) wait for Mr. Bean to get up, and (7) off I go to shop, shop, SHOP!!! So I figured I would try to add to the list "blogging" and give you the scenarios I came up with that day and how they turned out. One caveat, however, next week I won't be able to do this because we will be off Disney World!!!

So anyway, here is what I did today.

First, I went to CVS. I did 5 separate transactions. I went in with a $3 ECB and a $2 ECB.

1. 1 pantene conditioner for $3.33, reg. $4.99
1 pantene shampoo for $3.33, reg. $4.99
1 pantene hairspray for $3.33, reg. $4.99
1 Dawn dishsoap for $00.99, reg. $1.99
1 Dawn dishsoap for $00.99, reg. $1.99
-$1 coupon for 2 dawn dishsoap
-$3.33 pantene coupon - buy one shampoo and one conditioner, 1 styling product free
-$1 pantene coupon
-$2 when you spend $10 CVS coupon
-$3.00 ECB from previous trip to store
Total OOP $2.07, received $2 in ECB's for Pantene.

2. 1 Febreeze noticeables starter Kit for $6.99, reg. $8.49
2 covergirl wetslick amazement lip gloss for $5.99 each
-$5 febreeze coupon
-$5.99 covergirl coupon (B1G1 free)
-$1 covergirl coupon
-$2 when you spend $10 CVS coupon
-$2 ECB from previous transaction
Total OOP $4.18, received $5.99 in ECB's for Covergirl.

3. 2 Colgate Advanced toothpastes for $2.99 each, reg. $3.89
2 Cascade dishwasher detergent for $3.49, reg. $6.49
-$1.50 colgate coupon
-$1.50 colgate coupon
-$2.00 cascade coupon
-$2.00 cascade coupon
-$2.00 when you spend $10 CVS coupon
Total OOP $4.84, Receive $4 in ECB's for Colgate.

4. 2 Covergirl Outlast lipstick, buy one for $9.99, get one free.
1 Revlon clear nailpolish for $4.59.
-$9.99 Covergirl coupon (B1G1 free)
-$2 revlon CVS coupon from previous transaction's receipt
-$1 covergirl coupon
-$2 when you spend $10 CVS coupon
Total OOP $00.44, received no ECB's

5. 2 Neutrogena volume mascara's for $5.99 each, reg. $8.49 each
-$3.00 when you buy two neutrogena coupons
-$2 when you spend $10 CVS coupon
-$5.99 ECB's from previous transaction
Total: $1.31 OOP, received $6 in ECB's for Neutrogena.

So I spent a total of $12.84 and have $12 in ECB's left.

I then went to Rite Aid. I actually had to go to two because the first Rite Aid didn't have the best deal of the week, but I found it at the second.

So, at the first Rite Aid, I bought:

1 pantene expressions conditioner for $4.99, reg. $6.49
1 pantene expressions shampoo for $4.99, reg. $6.49
1 pantene detangler for $3.50, reg. $4.99
2 Bic 2 permanent marker set for $00.33 each, reg. $2.29
1 Bic 2 permanent marker, ultrafine for $00.33 each, reg. $2.29
1 Fructis Garnier shampoo for $3.50, reg. $4.19
1 Fructis Garnier conditioner for $3.50, reg. $4.19
1 crest whitening toothpaste for $2.49, reg. $3.29
3 crest pro-health mouthwash for $4.99 each, reg. $6.49
-$1 garnier fructis manufacturer coupon which was on item
-$1 garnier fructis manufacturer coupon which was on item
-$1.50 garnier fructis coupon
-$1.50 garnier fructis coupon
-$1 pantene rite aid coupon
-$4.99 pantene coupon (B2G1 free)
-$1 crest pro health mouthwash coupon
-$1 crest pro health mouthwash coupon
-$1 Bic coupon when you buy 2
-$1 crest coupon
-$1 pantene rite aid coupon
-$2 pantene coupon
-$2 pantene coupon

Total OOP $21.65

Trip to a second Rite Aid was to get just one thing:

1 L'Oreal Advanced Revitalift anti-wrinkle concentrate for $14.99, reg. $16.59
-$3 L'oreal manufacture coupon
-$3 L'Oreal Rite Aid coupon

Total OOP $10.04

So yes, I spent a total of $31.69 OOP at the two Rite Aid Store. BUT, I will get the following in rebates:

$14.99 for L'Oreal Advaced Revitalift
$10.00 for buying 3 Crest ProHealth mouthwash
$1.74 for buying crest toothpaste
$1.99 for buying Pantene product
$3 for buying 2 Garnier Fructis products

So I will get a total of $31.72 for these two trips. So, I'm even steven. Well, actually ahead by 3 cents. Also, I will be getting a $10 Rite Aid gift card for spending $30 for pantene, crest and L'Oreal as well as a $20 gift code to ebags for a free bag. Yippy!

Finally, I went to Walmart and got:

5 South beach pizza's for $2 each
3 Coffee-mate creamers for $1.79 each
-$2 south beach coupon
-$2 south beach coupon
-$2 south beach coupon
-$2 south beach coupon
-$2 south beach coupon
-$1 coffeemate coupon
-$1 coffeemate coupon
-$1 coffeemate coupon
Total OOP $2.37

So that's all folks! What were your Sunday scenarios?

Brought to you FREE by Wal-Mart

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:07:00 +0000

Well, thanks to the great blog of Money Saving Mom, I had a VERY good day at Wal-Mart for very little money. For the grand total of $51.59, I got the following:

3 containers of Parent's Choice Formula ($11.88 each)
6 3.5 bags of Purina's cat chow ($4.18 each)
3 3.5 bags of Purina's puppy chow ($4.18 each)
5 Johnson's Buddies soap ($00.97 each)
6 packs of Kotex pads ($1.00 each)
5 boxs of Clean and Clear blackhead remover ($5.44 each)
2 boxs of Huggies CleanTeam Wipes (soft pack-42 count) ($1.64 each)
5 boxes of Preparation H 10-ct. wipes ($2.96 each)
2 boxes of Visine (1/2 fl. oz.) ($3.62 each)
2 packs of 10-pack Schick disposable razors ($1.97 each)
and a stroller weather shield ($6.97)

Thus, these 40 products were actually worth a grand total of $148.33

I had in coupons:
6 $1.00 coupons for Kotex
9 $4 coupons of Purina cat food or dog food
5 $5 coupons for the clean and clear blackhead remover
1 $3 coupon when you buy two Huggies baby wipes
2 $3 coupons for Visine
5 $3 coupons for preparation H
2 $2 coupons for Schick razors
5 $1 coupons for Johnson & Johnson's Buddies

For a total of $100 in coupons.

So, if I hadn't bought the formula (which I wasn't planning to buy but it had 25% more free, i.e. 32.5 oz. for the price of 25 oz. which I hadn't seen before); and I hadn't bought the stroller rain cover (which I had been looking for but all the previous ones I had seen were $20+ which I think is just too expensive), I would have only paid $8.99 of which $7.26 was tax.

Thanks Money Saving Mom and thanks Wal-Mart!

I won the battle with CVS!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:34:00 +0000

So, I've been tallying up my August costs v. savings for CVS based upon my couponing, discounts/sales and the ECB's (extra care bucks) I've received from CVS to use for my shopping. This was my first month going all out, so let's see how I did and how it rates compared to those who are old pros at this:

For August, 2008:

Total true worth of products I bought: $394.97
Total discounts I received for items on sale: $100.05
Total amount of coupons I used: $123.45
Total amount of ECB's I received: $112.05
Total amount OOP: $59.42
Amount of ECB's I have left to use in Sept.: $5.00

As a side note, the total amount OOP (out of pocket) includes taxes ($8.27), bottle deposits ($7.80 of which I will get back as I return them) and one prescription for $3.46.

Thus, I really paid $39.89 for the actual products, of which there are 74 of them, including 13 cases of pepsi soda, shampoo, condition, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, candy, medicine and more.

So, I essentially paid $40 for $400 worth of stuff and still have $5 in ECB's to use next month. What a bargain!

Rite Aid is Paying Me to Shop There.

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:37:00 +0000

Just a quick note to tell you what Rite Aid is paying me for shopping there in the month of August from the rebate: $49.14.

What did I spend OOP (out of pocket) for the month of August? $82.31

So, subtracting what I will get back, I spent out of pocket - $33.17

How much were the products I bought worth? $138.14

How much in coupons did I use? $55.83 (weird number b/c some coupons were B1G1 - i.e. buy one, get one free).

Not too shabby.

I'll post soon about my OOP expenses v. worth of products for the month of August at CVS.

I'm Back with a VENGEANCE!!!!!!! (and saving moola too!)

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:46:00 +0000

As you all know, I've been in hiding since my February 1, 2008 post talking about changes and last things. And boy, was I right. Things have been crazy and happy and expensive and priceless and thrilling and scary and . . . Well, you get the drill.

I have the most amazing little boy in the whole wide world and he is now 6 months old - where did the time go? I was lucky enough to take three months off to spend with him - and boy did I need it! Talk about a learning process! I went back to work and am still getting used to the drill of bringing my handsome prince to "school", going to work, getting my cheeky monkey again and feeling like a rock star when he sees me for the first time, and getting things ready to start all over again.

We bought a house - I got MASSIVE nesting instincts when I had my baby shower - the place just felt way too crowded and I needed to move NOW - it's weird, I heard about the nesting instinct but never believed in it until it happened to me. Looked at the house two days before I gave birth and bought it four days after I gave birth - we would have bought it earlier, but I was in the hospital for four days b/c I had a c-section. It was the first place we looked at; and I LOVE it!

We bought a new car so baby would be safe and the old car (1999 with 150,000 miles on it) just wasn't going to pass inspection. And of course bought new furniture, etc. for the house.

So needless to say, we spent a lot of money and are in major saving mode right now. Which has led me to my newest obsession: couponing and getting stuff for free. And my two favorite places to do it are at CVS and Rite Aid. Essentially, by using the combinations of coupons and great deals from there, I get things for free or for at least VERY LOW MONEY. So I have a huge stock of toothpaste, toothbrushes, cleaning supplies, shampoo, conditioner, razors, feminine supplies, shaving cream, soda and medicine that I paid almost no money for; and in some cases, they have paid me to take.

To get an understanding on how to do it, I would recommend two great blogs: I heart CVS and I heart Rite Aid. Another place I use consistently is Hot Coupon World which also advises me of great deals at Target and my Price Chopper grocery store.

So, I'm not going to tell you how to do it, I'm just going to direct you there as I couldn't do as well as them at the explanation. What I will do, however, is post my weekly shopping scenarios to show how I did; and hopefully, it will help you. Also, this blog is going to become more of a "saving moola" blog as my baby boy and saving money are my two big things right now.

So here we go:

I'm somewhat new at this - I've been at it one month. But I love puzzles so I do the deals, especially at CVS, accordingly. I don't get a ton products, just what we as a family may need, but I thought my scenarios might help others.

CVS - I made several transactions to get the full use of my coupons - and specifically did them in this order (and ECB's are "extra care bucks" CVS prints out on the end of your receipt when you buy certain of their products that you can use on anything in the store - it's like real money!):

1. 4 12-packs of pepsi soda - 4/$12

5 sobe life waters - 5/$5

-5 coupons for free Sobe with a 12-pack pepsi purchase

-$2 off $10 CVS coupon

-two $5 ECB's from last week

Total OOP - nothing

Received $5 ECB's

2. 1 Garnier hair color for $5

2 Garnier conditioner with freeshampoo/conditioner travel pack

1 Garnier leave-in conditioner (Garnier was 3/$10)

- 4 $1.00 Garnier coupons

-$2 off $10 CVS coupon

-$5 from previous transaction's ECB's

Total OOP $4.65

Received $5 in ECB's

3. 2 ZipFizz energy drink mix at $5.99 each

-$2 CVS coupon

-$5 ECB from previous transaction

Total OOP - $4.98

Received $11.98 in ECB's

4. 2 OB 36 count tampons for $9

1 advil child for $5.79

2 colgate toothpaste B1G1 - $3.49

2 Colgate toothbrush B1G1 - $3.29

-$1 CVS toothbrush coupon

-$1 colgate toothpaste coupon

-$2 when spend $10 CVS coupon

-$1.50 ob coupon

-$11.98 ECB's from previous transaction

Total OOP nothing

Received $10.79 in ECB's

5. 1 CVS tampon for $4.99

1 playtex tampon for $4.99

-$1 playtex coupon

-$2 when spend $10 CVS coupon

-$5.79 in ECB's

Total OOP $1.37

Receive $5 ECB's

So I spent a total OOP of $11 and I still have $10 in ECB's to use next time.

I also went to Rite Aid and got the following:

2 glade oil refills - 2/$5.00

2 glade plug-ins - for $4.79 each

2 shout sprays - 2/$4

1 Pledge - $2.99

1 Pert plus - $2.99

1 EZ start tape - $1.50

1 revlon blemish concealer - $6.99

1 revlon pressed powder - $6.99

1 John Frieda Shampoo - 6.49

1 John Frieda condition - $3.24 (B1G50%)

-$0.75 Shout coupon

-$1.00 pledge coupon

-$4.79 glade plug in coupon (B1G1)

-$2.50 glade refill coupon (B1G1)

-$2 revlon coupon

-$3 john frieda coupon

-$4 glade coupon

Total OOP - $33.71 (before coupons it was $53.75)

I'll receive from the rite aid rebate:

$1 from Pledge

$3 from John Frieda

$2 from pert plus

$1.50 from duck brand tape

$2 from Glade plug-in refills

$2 from shout

$10 from revlon

Total - $21.50

So I paid only $12.21 for $53.75 worth of products.

Last Days . . .

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:39:00 +0000

As I'm finishing my last day of work for three months (I will be starting maternity leave on Monday), it makes me realize I'm starting a lot of "last days" as I get ready to give birth to Mr. Bean and my first-born on Tuesday, February 5:

1. last days of no responsibilities other than to me and him;
2. last days of doing whatever I want without worrying about a little one;
3. last days of sleeping when I want;
4. last days of watching tv whenever I want;
5. last days of eating when I want;
6. last days of not being a mom;
7. last days of not caring if the house is kept up;
8. last days of not caring if there's enough food in the house;
9. last days of worrying only about my own bathroom habits;
10. last days of worrying only that I'm clean.

Any other last days I should be celebrating? Come on parents, help me out here!

Turning Mr. Bean to the Dark Side

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 12:34:00 +0000

Well, after our many years together, I have finally turned Mr. Bean to the dark side. You see, he calls me a TV junkie (which I don't deny) and used to refuse to watch any TV with me. Thus, I would be in one room watching TV and he would be on the computer.

This year, however, I have started to turn him to my side. He now loves watching with me "Life", "Dirty, Sexy Money", "Aliens in America", "Ugly Betty" and my personal fave to have addicted him to "I Love New York 2".

And, to my shock (and happiness), Mr. Bean has now become a movie junkie. It used to take an act of Congress for him to watch a movie with me. Now he is a Netflix addict and watching movies ALL the time. I never thought I would see the day.

Now, if I could just get him interested in stamping, I would be on a roll.

Happy Birthday to Me!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:17:00 +0000

Well, it's that time of year again - the birthday. And this one is my 35th. Yes, I'm a 35 year old with bifocals; and I just found my first gray hair. YIKES! I remember when I was a kid and thought that I was going to be an old hag at 28 with the turn of the century. And now I'm another 7 years older.

I've asked for no presents from anyone. I don't need them and I already have the best present in the world. For the past 10 years, I have been asking, begging and pleading that God would, at the least, make me pregnant before I was 35. 35 seemed to me to be the big number - if I wasn't pregnant by then, it wouldn't happen. And after all of the IVF's, surgeries, and failures, I figured it wasn't going to happen.

Although close to the wire, I must hand it to him - he came through. Just four months shy of my big day - I got pregnant. So, no other present can even compare. I already have the best one in the world.

Yes, baby boy, it's my birthday and you are the best present EVER. I love you!

Let the kids have their dog for cripe's sake!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:18:00 +0000

I'm referring to the new story about Ellen giving up her dog to her hairdresser's kids - and then the cops take back the dog. To get the full story, go here. Now, what I want to know is, if the dog is happy, why can't the dog stay with them?

Do rules always have to be enforced? I know they have the rule that no families with kids under 14 can adopt a dog, but these kids are 9 and 11, not 2 or 3 where they could be really bothersome to the dog. It just doesn't seem right.

It reminds me of Mr. Bean's and my two girls. First there with one family they are told would be there family; then there with us and once again told we are their "forever family" and now they are with a third family. This poor puppy is going through the same sadness - and unnecessarily going to a third family IF they can find one.

Sure ticks me off.

I've Been Here for Years!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:33:00 +0000

Well, at least one year anyway. I was thinking of MC Hammer when deciding what to write because it's been almost a month since I blogged so it must seem like I disappeared. I must tell you, however, A LOT has happened.

We went to Disney and had a great time. Then Mr. Bean and I both came home sick as a dog from Disney and were out of commission for more than a week. It really hurts to cough when you are pregnant, I must say.

We then found out our little bundle of joy is a boy. I'm just happy he's healthy. I'm also getting huge - so huge that my OB was like "you gained HOW MUCH WEIGHT in a month?" So much for my lost 100 pounds.

We also have been trying to keep up with work, registering for the baby and deciding how to do the nursery - in Disney of course! We even bought some really nice artwork which will look great in the nursery. And some cute onesies that are gender neutral because we didn't know until we got back that the lil' guy was a lil' guy.

We're also going to birthing classes. Although fascinating, it scares the crap out of me. He's going out WHERE?!?!?

So, I will try to be a better blogger. Please don't give up on me yet!

Well, I'm off to see the Wizard,

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:46:00 +0000

(Picture I took last year)

The wonderful Wizard of OZ! Well, actually, I'm off to see the Mouse at Disney, but there is a Wizard of Oz ride there at MGM I'm sure Mr. Bean and I will be riding. So have a great week, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

At this rate, you're going to think that all of my posts are going to the birds . . .

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:30:00 +0000

but I just couldn't help myself. This is just too sweet. Not to mention that we needed a happy bird story since we all just had the sadness of losing Alex.

Plus, I just LOVE monkeys.

Most of us probably find pigeons annoying - they're dirty, all over the place and their poop - well yuk. Raise your hand if you have been pooped on!

Anywho, here is one pigeon that gives all pigeons their good name back. And as a lawyer, believe you me, I understand wanting your good name back.

This is a story about love - the love of a pigeon and a monkey. Poor little monkey was abandoned by its mommy and left to die. Thankfully, an animal hospital took the baby monkey into save it; but the monkey just was not interested in life. Until it met its soul mate - a pigeon. Now, baby monkey seems to be in love, the feeling appears to be mutual; and the baby monkey now has a joie de vivre again.

One thing I noticed was I couldn't find either of their names in any of the articles I saw. So I want to take a poll of names - send your comments in. My vote: Beauty (pigeon) and the Beast (baby monkey). No surprise that I picked a Disney name, is it?

Good Night Sweet Alex.

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:25:00 +0000

Well, another great researcher has passed. And although all researchers are special in their own way, this researcher not only made waves in the human world, but in the avian world as well.

Goodbye Alex, the amazing African Grey Parrot.

And Alex was amazing. He could count to six, knew and said 50 words, and my favorite, expressed frustration when the scientific tests he was helping to conduct would bore him b/c they were so repetitive. He would even tell other parrots to essentially stop mumbling by advising them to "speak better". A bird after my own heart.

And he died too early at age 30 (these type of birds live to about 50 years old).

But it is obvious he was not only loved, but will be missed horribly. He is missed so much that they waited several days to tell of Alex's passing so the other researchers, and his friends, could mourn privately first.

Goodbye our feathered friend.

I really feel for Owen Wilson

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:29:00 +0000

Everyone knows Owen Wilson as the funny man. He's in all of those hilarious comedies (if you like his type of comedies, which I do). I enjoyed him in everything from "Night at the Museum", "Cars" and "Shanghai Knights" to "Zoolander". I even enjoyed him in "You, Me and Dupree". Not so much in "Wedding Crashers". Yes, I know I'm one of the few who feels that way.

But now, things aren't so funny for him. And, with Mr. Bean and I having gone through what we've gone through in life, I feel like I understand a little how he feels. And I really feel for him. It was hard enough for Mr. Bean and I to get through things, but at least we were able to do it privately and on our own terms and didn't have to let people know if we didn't want to. Unfortunately, he is not so lucky. One of the downfalls of being a celebrity. And one of the many reasons why I would never want to be one.

It's weird - I feel absolutely no sympathy for Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Paris or Nicole, but I really feel for Owen Wilson. It may be a bit hypocritical; and I don't know why I feel that way, but it's true.

Good luck Owen.

Big Happenin's!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:54:00 +0000

So, in case you haven't heard, go on over to the First Anniversary Spectacular on Saturndiary where Mr. Bean and I share the great news!

Also, in case you want to try the recipe for the yummy coconut cake I was manging on during the podcast here you go. And don't panic - it is easy peasy!

Coconut Cake

1(18 1/2oz) package white flavored cake mix

2 cups sugar

1 (16oz) container of sour cream

1 (12oz) package of frozen coconut, thaw

1 small container of whipped topping

Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Bake in 2 round pans (8"). When completely cool, split each layer into 2 layers, for a toal of 4 layers. Combine sugar, sour cream, and cocunut; and blend well. Reserve one cup sour cream mixture for frosting, and spread the remainder between the layers. Combine remaining sour cream mixture with the whipped topping. Spread on top and sides of cake. Taste best if you wrap and let chill for atleast a day before eating. (but who's got the patience for that!!!! :) )

One of my biggest fears.

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 12:57:00 +0000

I hesitated writing about this for awhile. I feel so horribly for those who had to endure the fear and pain from what happened with the bridge collapse. And my thoughts go to those who are suffering as a result.

The reason I didn't write about it though, I must admit, was not for those who suffered. It was for myself. Because those events of that day brought up one of my biggest fears which I have been trying to conquer for years.

I fear and loathe driving over big and tall bridges.

Living where I do, and traveling for my work as much as I do, I have to drive over some VERY tall and VERY long bridges quite often. I hate it each and every time. And when traffic causes me to be stopped on them for awhile, I fight the strong urge to jump out of my car and run for the nearest end. I feel every sway and bounce. I'm afraid someone is going to hit me and cause me to go over the side because I don't think the walls are high enough. I make sure my window is open in case I do go in, so I have a chance at getting out. If I'm driving, I refuse to look over the sides. If Mr. Bean is driving, I won't let him look at the view, make him drive in the middle lane and yell at him if he is speeding. It is all encompassing, and I can't breathe until we are over it.

And, now, as a result of this horrific event and the long needed inspection and review of all national bridges showing that similar problems exist all over, I feel my fears are justified. So I'm really scared of the next time having to go over one of these bridges, knowing what I know about what happened. And God forbid if there is a traffic jam. Just writing about this is making my heart beat fast and my breath shallow.

I am truly saddened and sorry for those who suffered from this tragic event. I also wish though, that I never heard about this happening.

Working for the Man

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:18:00 +0000

So I got depressed today. I was going over my 401k with our work's accountant. He was telling me how, in 30 years when I retire, Mr. Bean and I should be set nicely for retirement.

WHAAAAT! 30 more years? That's about how old I am now (plus 4). You mean I have to work another LIFETIME before I retire? So I heard nothing about the financial aspects or details or whatever the hell these accountants say, all I heard was I have to work 30 more years.

It's not that I'm lazy - I'm far from it. I've been working since I was 14, sometimes two jobs at once, and for the past 10 years, I've worked 70+ hours a week, including nights and weekends. But it just sounded so damn depressing that I have 30 more years of this.

Why can't we have a ten year break in our 40's? Seems like we would enjoy it more then instead of at 60-something.

I just don't understand those people who work until 70, 80, 90 or until the day they die. They supposedly love work THAT MUCH.

Well, not me. I'm ready to retire at the ripe ol' age of 35 in October.

What about you? Are you one of those "people" who love work THAT MUCH that you can't imagine not working?

I Went to My Town.

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 18:19:00 +0000

Yep, this weekend I was in my town, aka BeanTown, i.e., Boston. I've always loved Boston and have wanted to live there forever, but this time, not so much.

It was in the 90's, stifling, it smelled and we got stuck in Old North Church for over an hour during a horrendous thunderstorm with rain and hail.

Sunday, we went to Fenway Park for the Police Concert. Go to this link to see us there. Look good don't we? Concert was good, except Mr. Bean says they messed up a lot. Also, they made changes to a bunch of songs which we didn't like. Seems to me that if fans are paying $100+ per ticket, they should play the songs the way we want to hear them. Some agree with us; and some don't as you can also see here.

I'm Done.

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 14:52:00 +0000

Well, my book relationship with good ol' Harry is done. I finished it at 6:05 a.m. No, I didn't stay up all night reading it. I woke up at 4:45 a.m. and finished the book.

Don't worry, no spoilers here. But I will say that I really enjoyed it, was happy with the ending, and can't wait to see the movie. I will miss, however, reading the stories and anticipating each new book's arrival.

Now, I need to see the movie for Book 5.

I will make a prediction. I believe that J.K. Rowling will miss the series so much that she will go "Star Wars" on the book and do a "prequel" showing the lives of Harry's parents, Sirius, Snape and of course Tom Riddle. And I would be one of the first in line to buy those books.

But for now, I'll wait for Hogwart's to be built in Universal. And if anyone has any recommendation for books in a similar vein, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks Rowling, for a great ride.

Yes, I'm One of the 1.2 Million . . .

noreply@blogger.com (The Bean) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:11:00 +0000

who bought the latest Harry Potter book this weekend. I have the previous six (except for the first which was loaned to a now "former" friend who has not returned it) and have read them all. And I'm currently on page 350 of the 7th.

But to be honest, I wish I hadn't started reading it yet. I wanted to savor it, look at the cover and anticipate reading it when I felt the time was right. Yes, I'm one of those people. I like to keep birthday and christmas presents in their boxes for as long as I can before I use the item. I like to savor it. I like to keep the newness of it. It drives Mr. Bean crazy b/c he wants to use the new item asap. And it drives him even more crazy if it's something he gave me. He just doesn't get it that, for me, part of the fun of the new item is to keep it nice and new for awhile. For example, I got an awesome purse from my SIL Christmas 2005 that I just started using January 2007. I got a great WDW bag in October 2006 that I haven't used yet. The longer I wait to use an item, the more it shows I like it.

An even better example for this topic is the 6th Book of Harry Potter. I bought it the first day it was being sold in 2005. When did I read it? A couple of weeks ago on my Adirondack vacation - and yes I loved it.

So, here I am reading a book I really didn't want to read right now and wanted to savor having the new book first. And it frustrates me - don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying it immensely; but I really wanted to savor the anticipation of using it. But b/c of reviews and spoilers, etc., I'm too afraid NOT to read it b/c I don't want to find out what happens without reading it myself.

So thanks to those of you who are attempting to ruin the books for others. I'm now being forced to read a book I wanted to savor until at least 2009.