Everyday Randomness

We’re meeting with our friend at 7pm for dinner, and I figured tonight might be a good time to give my friend some information on Cryo-Cell, the company that offers packages to save cord blood. My friend and I were talking about this last week and all the options that are out there these days. She mentioned hearing about how cord blood could just be the cure for certain diseases, so she asked if I’d do some research for her.

Her sister-in-law chose to save her cord blood, and instead of giving normal baby shower gifts, everyone donated to get her a gift certificate so that she could afford to save it. I decided to check into this, and I see Cryo-cell does have a gifting page for people who want to do this.

Cord blood has been proven as a valuable resource because it carries stem cells that are an exact match to the baby. If the child ever needs a bone marrow transplant it can be hard to find an exact stem cell match, but the cord blood carries the exact match that is needed without the risk of rejection or other diseases.

I’ve also read that stem cells can be used to treat anemia, lymphoma, diabetes, cerebral palsy, and leukemia just to name a few of the 5 diseases that can use stem cells as a treatment. There are also new technologies in the medical field being developed everyday that use stem cells for treatment, so there’s no telling what stem cells will be used for in the future.

I’m going to print out all the information I’ve found and give it to her tonight. If she would like to setup a fund where people can donate to help her save the cord blood I’ll help her do that. Heck I think I’m going to look into some of this stuff myself. Did you know it’s also possible to save stem cells from a menstrual cycle? Medical technology today totally blows my mind.

I’ve really got to start carrying my camera with me everywhere I go. Hubby and I ran to the store when he got home, and on our way home we spotted a gorgeous double rainbow. It was one of the brightest ones I’ve seen in awhile. We pulled into our driveway, and it was positioned perfectly centered in front of our house, and it was a complete double. I ran inside to get my camera, grabbed an extension cord since I knew my battery was dead, plugged everything in, shook it a few times to get it working, ran back outside and the rainbow had already faded to almost nothing.

Bummer. I really wanted shots of it. I need to start keeping my camera on hand at all times!

When Hubby text me he also told me it’s about time I buy him some new shoes. He ripped a hole in the bottom of his work boots a couple days ago, so he’s been wearing his good shoes to work.

Those good shoes are a pair of Vans that I bought him his summer. He’s really picky about his shoes, and when it comes to casual shoes he’ll only wear skate shoes. Well I can’t wait for him to get home so I can see what shape his Vans are in because he says he ruined them at work today. Just great.

I could hope someone will give him a pair of shoes for Christmas, but he’s so picky no one will attempt to buy him anything like that. He’s got specific colors and brands he’ll wear, so shoe shopping is left up to me.

I picked up the last pair on sale from The House Boardshop when they were on sale, so I decided I should check out what they have. I did a search for coupons and sure enough I found The House coupons. It looks like I’ll be able to save some on his next pair as well.

I’m going to check out the outlet store first to see if I can find a pair of shoes he likes up to 60% off. If not I’ll head over to the regular site and see what they have right now in the 40-70% off holiday sale. With coupons for free shipping I’ll be able to save plenty, and he might be getting a new pair of shoes just in time for the New Year. For now he can wear the cheap pair of Walmart skate shoes I picked up as backups until he gets his new ones. Picky boy will just have to deal.

Hubby just text me to say his best friend wants to go to dinner tonight.  It’s become a weekend tradition to get together with Hubby’s best friend and his girlfriend for dinner on the weekends, and I like that because when you’ve got a pregnant woman with you she always picks where you’re going.  I hate having to pick.

Not this time though.  She can’t decide what she wants, and the boys don’t want to pick so they’re leaving it up to me.  I don’t want to pick.  I know as soon as I pick something Hubby’s going to say no I don’t want that.  Besides, what if I pick something that I think everyone will want, and then the pregnant one gets a craving for something different?

Ugh yes I’m totally indecisive.  Hubby knows whenever we pick up food I always say “go wherever you want” because I change my mind 10 times before we find somewhere to eat.  That’s it.  I’m picking BBQ.  If they don’t like it they can get something else.  I’m having a craving for Spanky’s.

It’s that time of year when I take a step back and look at my web hosting. As my blogs grow I know my hosting needs do as well, and I want to make sure a few months from now I’m not going to end up outgrowing my current hosting. I also take a look at how many problems I’ve had over the past year, and I rate my current company’s customer service.

I know a lot of people who do this. It may seem like a hassle to switch web hosts, but sometimes it’s something that can drastically change your blog or website. If you’re with a host that’s charging you an outrageous amount, but customer service and load times are poor, maybe it’s time to look elsewhere.

Always compare features on your current package with those on other packages from other companies in your price range. Some will offer more or less than others. Also don’t forget to talk to others using services you may be interested in. Most of the time just talking to current or former customers will be enough to help you decide if a certain host is right for you. Last but not least always email customer service before signing up for anything. See how long it takes customer service to respond to you, and check how they answer your questions. You can tell a lot about a company just from that first email to support.

I always check out sites like Web Hosting Geeks because they have a list of the Top 10 Web Hosts of 2008, and they list all options for under $10/month. You never know when you’re going to luck up on a better service for a cheaper price, so don’t ever settle for a service that’s under par.