Frugal Teacher's M.O. to a rich technology living

My boyfriend and I decided to change things up when it comes to technology and our monthly bills.
Fed up with Charter's sketchy monthly rate increases (without informing us), we decided to get rid of our basic cable at $20 a month, and instead opt for a two year contract with internet service at $30 a month.

We have this type of set up:

A 32 inch flatscreen TV hooked up to a mac mini.
A macbook laptop connected via wifi
A 1000 watt surround sound theatre system with an iPod dock (bought for $115 on clearance, regularly $300+)

We spend $30 a month on Internet that allows us to watch a ton of free (and legal) TV shows on demand on hulu or abc.com etc.
We also spend a whopping $9.49 a month to subscribe to Netflix. This includes DVDs sent to our home as well as on demand through our TV/computer hookup.

We spend less than $40 a month for all the TV, Movies, and Music we could want. We do receive Fox through our indoor antenna, so we can watch our favorite Fox shows in real time, but we don't miss cable at all. Basically anything we want to watch is available online, and with Hulu Desktop, we can control our "tv" through our mac mini's remote. All from the comfort of our couch.

It's hard to believe that people are shelling out over $100 a month for cable when this option has served us so well and has saved us hundreds over a year time. What have you done to save money while still receiving what you want?

If you were falling, then I would catch you.
You need a light, I'd find a match.

Cuz I love the way you say good morning.
And you take me the way I am.

If you are chilly, here take my sweater.
Your head is aching, I'll make it better.

Cuz I love the way you call me baby.
And you take me the way I am.

I'd buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair.
Sew on patches to all you tear.

Cuz I love you more than I could ever promise.
And you take me the way I am.
You take me the way I am.
You take me the way I am.

Hahahaha. LOVE fail blog.

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Movie Manners

Last night, my boyfriend and another couple went to see Friday the 13th at the local theatre.

That's it.  

Never again.

I'm done spending $8.50 so I can be completely annoyed by the idiots around me.  

I don't know what kind of special talent I have that no matter where I sit in a theatre, I've got the biggest idiot/s sitting behind me who feels a strong need to announce everything that is happening in the movie to the person next to them, give running commentary, or exclaim "F**K, S$^T, or D#@N! ever single time something major in the action happens.

Chew with your mouth closed.  The sound of your saliva and popcorn mixing together makes me queasy.

Don't answer your cell phone during a movie, and so help me, if I'm blinded by your cell phone screen I'm probably going to tell you to put it away.

Last night, after sitting through an entire movie filled with (non-hushed) moronic commentary, after nearly being hit head on by a teenage driver not paying attention while speeding out of the theater, witnessing (less than two blocks down the road), two cars drag racing and to top it off we were nearly rear-ended by fellow moviegoers rushing to make it home by their 11:30 curfew. 

What is wrong with people?  Ultimately, poor movie etiquette really is hurting the cinemas.  I'm boycotting these theaters.  Why would I spend the same amount for ONE movie than for an entire month worth of Netflix from the comfort and QUIET of my living room?  Why?  Because I was an idiot.  No longer.

Sorry cinemas.  I don't know what to tell you about this.  Either hire more ushers to actually do more than clean up after the movie, or more people will follow suit.  I used to look forward to going to the movies.  It was such a treat.  Now, every trip leaves me yearning for some Xanax and a refund.

American Idol 2009

It's somewhat of a weekly ritual that we gather around the TV and tune into American Idol.  Why?  Well...we're all musicians and music teachers and, two, finding it online after the fact is darn near impossible!

Surprises this season:

Norman whatever whoever you are.  Yikes.  They let him in and turn Jamar down from WI?  Wrong.  But you know, I suppose they have to have a "diverse" spread of 32.  I'd still take the guy with the cheek piercing who could sing...

I completely disagree with much of Simon's aesthetic choices.  There's plenty that makeup, hair, and hollywood can do to make one stand out more visually.  But if you just look great and can't sing, well, that's kind of missing the point.  I hope.

Since I'm so awful with names, I'm not going to list my top few that stand out thus far besides Danny.  He represents WI well, and I think he's going to do a lot on the show.

The magical land of ....lunch aide subbing

I accepted my first jobs as a sub for a 1.5 hour lunch aide position.  I need the money, and I figured it would be a nice way to ease into subbing.  It turned out to be just so.  I met some nice women at the school.  The lunch ladies shared how under-appreciated the felt, especially by the teachers.  

Some commented on how they weren't sure serving peanut butter (even though it was tested and proved to be safe) was a wise decision.  Had those teachers taken a peek at the school's main website, they'd find that all peanut containing food products are from safe sources....

I have an interview tomorrow.  

I've been resting my back most of the day.  The doctor said it could take a week to a month for this to get better.  I'm doing my best to remember how to follow the instructions to get up and in and out of my car.

I've been checking out jobs in central to northern California...found two in the same district.

2009 Update

Since my last post, I have graduated. 

I had a fantastic semester of student teaching with a phenomenal cooperating teacher in a great setting.  Progressing on my 2nd week outside of the safety of student teaching, I have been hired as a substitute in that district and have a promising long term sub job in my concentration lined up.

Big dreams to move out west.  Another winter of this might kill me.

Still into etsy, realsimple, and my iPod touch. : )