730 Days of Living in HD! It's Our Two Year Anniversary!

Wow! I can't believe it! Two years ago today, 730 days since we became Panasonic's Living in HD Family #21! All I can say is that it has been the most incredible adventure for my family, including myself, being part of the Panasonic program and having the opportunity to experience every piece of electronic equipment I could ever want! Plus, having a full support team to answer questions, challenge us, and help us learn! What should I say? Only that we were unbelievably lucky, and fortunate, to have been selected by Panasonic two years ago, and most definitely, our lives have changed since we started Living in HD! I still can't believe this happened to us and I would never want to live without HD again! Yes, we are now very, very spoiled.

I remember the day well; I was standing in my kitchen on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, baking Christmas cookies and thinking that it was not going to be a very exciting Christmas that year, when all of a sudden, a FedEx truck stopped in front of my house, and my only thought was, "what now?" It had been that "kind" of year. I assumed the envelope the FedEx man was carrying up the driveway wasn't going to be good news, since we had not ordered anything and it was a rare day that we got an overnight delivery. It never occurred to me that the news inside was good... no great... and was about to change the lives of the Pelletier family forever!! It was a letter you don't forget, and mine is mounted in my photo album next to our first Panasonic pictures! Just curious, though... I'm wondering if any other Living in HD families felt the same way that I did when I first read the letter from Panasonic. When you read the letter, letting you know that you had been selected and had won a suite of Panasonic products...did you have your doubts at first? Did you think it was a scam or something else because the prize was too good to be true? I did! I wasn't sure at first; I remembered entering an essay contest earlier in October of 2007, for a Panasonic Suite of products, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd hear anything back from it, let alone win the grand prize!! Seriously, how often does one win that kind of prize? It's the kind of thing just doesn't happen to me! After reading the letter twice, I decided to not get too excited, and I picked up the phone and called the marketing firm that had sent the letter on behalf of Panasonic, and asked to speak to the person who's signature appeared on the letter. I expected to hear that I had won something if I sent money or did this or that, but instead, the woman said to me, "don't you remember entering the contest?" When I told her yes I did, she told me to read through the documents and return them as soon as possible. Hmm, it sounded too good to be true and when I arrived at the bank to have the papers notarized, the first thing the notary said to me was, "what did you win?" She explained that this is how it works, etc. and all of a sudden, reality set in, and wow, I'd finally won a plasma TV for my husband! What a Christmas! We were so excited and must have re-read that letter a dozen times, just to be sure we hadn't misunderstood! Finally, on New Year's Eve, the second letter came, confirming that indeed we had won the Panasonic suite and would be contacted by Greg Harper in a week or two! When Greg called me, I was sitting in Le Creperie in Quebec City, Quebec; I'll never forget it! I saw the NYC area code on my cell phone and said to Guy, "I have to take this call, I think it might be from Panasonic about the TV!!" Greg has a great personality and even though this was the first time I had ever spoken to the man, he put me at ease and was very friendly. I explained to him that we had taken a short vacation to Quebec so that Oliver could see snow for his birthday and that he'd caught us in Old Quebec having dinner! So, within a week, we were back in Florida, making arrangements for the equipment to be delivered and our life in HD began! Our suite arrived on a Friday morning and the installers were busy for at least a week. There was no way Guy was going to let a new 50" plasma TV sit in the garage the entire weekend, especially since it was a rainy one and this would be the perfect time to sit in front of it! Guy came home for lunch to see what had come, and then was back home for the day at 4pm... gee, I wonder why? He and Oliver had the boxes in the house and had decided to set up with or without the installers! It was like Christmas all over again, only a hundred times better! There wasn't a toy left off the list!! Panasonic had thought of everything, right down to the cables and the wireless mouse! Looking back now, the sad part was that we really didn't know how to operate most of it at the time! Now of course, it's a different story, although, there's still plenty to learn and it's an on-going daily process. Greg helped Guy connect all the wires and cables to the plasma via phone on Saturday morning; that's how tech smart this man is; Guy had the directions spread all over the floor and took notes as they went along. Greg was able to teach someone who had no idea what to do, all the basics within an hour and we were watching the new plasma after lunch! What we quickly learned is there's more to a plasma TV than just turning it on! Within a couple of weeks, Greg came to our house and spent an afternoon, teaching all of us how to use the plasma, laptop, cameras, and network camera. Oliver had already mastered the Wii; that was his project! I'll tell you now, most of what was being explained to me at the time, went right over my head; I took notes and still have them! It scared me because I didn't know if I was smart enough to learn how to use all this equipment as I'm not 25 anymore and the ol' brain doesn't work as fast! I wasn't a very tech-savvy person before becoming part of LiHD, but I have mastered many new skills using the equipment. Honestly, there's much more that I still don't understand or wish I knew how to use. Uploading video from the camcorder, for example, is still hard for me; I still don't understand which program to use to get it into the laptop, and that's why most of the time, my videos are from the SLR camera. Guy runs the plasma and knows the in's and out's of viewing videos, pictures, and connecting the laptop to it. We like the Blu-Ray player, although we did have a few problems with it at the beginning which were promptly solved by the LiHD team.

So what have I learned in two years? First of all, being able to use modern technology opened up an entirely different world of possibilities for us! We've become very proficient at using the internet and can "click, search, and find" in minutes to find answers we need! Shopping has become even more of an adventure, going from store to store with just a click and finding just about everything we need! I've learned how to make videos using YouTube, Vimeo, and Animoto, which makes picture taking incredibly fun! In addition, I learned how to use "video mode" on the SLR camera, which is a nice feature when you want to combine pictures and a little live action in a slideshow, using Roxio software. I haven't completely mastered the advance editing version, but I'm working on it! We also taught ourselves how to Skype, a program where you can talk & see people on your computer via an internet phone call. We applied for a Google phone number and now have that; a wonderful number to have to save on long distance calls and a number that you program through your computer to call multiple phones at the same time so you never miss a call. Love it! We're on Twitter and Facebook, as well as the Living in HD site. Two years ago, I couldn't have told you what these sites were, and to be honest, I had never heard of Twitter until Adam Broitman explained it to us during a training session with other Florida LiHD families. And oh yes, I know those three LiHD families! I was the person who encouraged them to apply to become part of the program! Living in HD has given us the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, and learn from them! It's a quite a community and many of the LiHD families are part of my life now!

I hope that Panasonic will continue to keep us in their program and teach us more! We Pelletiers are always up for a new challenge! It has been a wonderful two years as Family #21 and I have loved every minute! I can't believe everything that I have learned and what I have been able to share and teach other people. That's a great feeling! 730 days and counting! Thank you Panasonic for this awesome experience! The Pelletiers love Living in HD!

Happy Holidays from all of us! It's been a very busy week with Natalie's birthday on the 15th, the endless preparations for Christmas next Friday, and the normal craziness that goes on! I have wrapped box after box, until I can't wrap anymore! Gift cards definitely would be easier, that's for sure, but not as much fun! One of my favorite things about this time of year is seeing people I haven't seen in months, or talked to in years! As you know, I'm an avid talker and nothing pleases me more than to strike up a conversation with a willing participant! Another favorite thing is Christmas cards, which are starting to arrive daily with everyone's news and pictures from the past year. This weekend, south Florida is expecting a cold front, just in time for Christmas, so with a chill in the air, there will be cookies baking in the oven! We will be spending the holidays at home this year, luckily all together. Hopefully I'll have some great pictures to share with you when time permits! Let me hear from you! That's one of the best parts of the holidays!

Meanwhile, back to the fun of being Family #21! Day # 731 tomorrow!

Ready, Set, Shop, & Decorate! It's the Holidays!

It has been an extremely busy two weeks since Thanksgiving at the Pelletier house, which has left me very little time to blog about what we're doing! I have been running non-stop, today being no exception! This afternoon was one of my least favorite Christmas rituals.. standing in line at the Jupiter Post Office. Yes, I still go to the post office, and yes I know, there are other options for mailing, but a few things just can't be done on the internet, and for those, it is the much dreaded wait at the postal facility, when the line is the longest and moving at it slowest! For some reason, at least in Jupiter, it seems like the busier it gets in there, and the longer the line becomes, there are less and less postal clerks at the counter, or just when my turn arrives, they decide to go to lunch! They must love the 30 pairs of eyes starring at them with icy looks, all thinking the same thing, " why is this taking so long?" Luckily today, the wait was short, and I was in and out in less than 30 minutes! With 75% of the gifts wrapped, 100% of the Christmas cards mailed, 100% of the decorating done, but 0% of the Xmas cookies baked, I'll take a a little time out to write about life with family #21! Then it's back to work!

We have been busy, especially me! The holidays are in full swing at the Pelletier house, and that means lots of shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping, card writing, decorating, and of course, stress. Plenty of it! I don't know if you watch ABC Comedy on Wednesday nights, but if you do, and you had a chance to see the show "In The Middle", last week's show was exactly about all the pressure that goes along with the holiday season. "Christmas is hard, Christmas is work!" And, that it is! Not that I'd ever give up all the craziness, but a little less pressure would definitely be welcome! You know what I'm talking about; the days aren't long enough to get it all done; by the time Christmas Day rolls around, we're all so tired, we're glad it's over! I feel like I start earlier and earlier each year, to try and avoid all the madness and rushing around, but here I am once again, caught up right in the middle of it all!

The Christmas season began at the Pelletier house with "Black Friday," a shopping tradition for us! Being the bargain hunters that we are, Guy and I have shopped on "Black Friday" for the past 30 years, and I think we've only missed one or two; once because of a tropical storm and another because one of a sick kid. We get up early on Thanksgiving morning, and before the Macy's Parade starts and the turkey goes in the oven, we sit down, read all the ads, make a list, and our plan for the next morning. On Friday, lunch is turkey sandwiches packed in a cooler, we wear comfortable shoes, we tune into a little Xmas music on the radio, and off we go... and no children are invited! [mostly because we're shopping for them!] Out the door by 6am, ads and list in hand, and as we arrive at each store, we know exactly what item we're looking for; if they don't have it, off we go! No time to waste! It's a fun day, even with the crowds and the occasional rude shopper and Guy is right in there with me! We have a great time together and I think our record number of stores covered in one day has been close to 20! But, I have to say, our shopping has evolved over the past several years, maybe because we're getting older and wiser, and due to better technology skills, free shipping, and always being able to find the size or color that we want, Black Friday's shop-a-thon has changed too! We're still up early, but lots of shopping is done in pajamas, at the computer via the internet, and by 7am, 50% of the gift buying is done and being shipped. Then, we hit the road, a little less pressured to finish the rest! Less pressure, more fun!

This year was no exception except two more Pelletiers joined in on the fun! This was the first year that Natalie and Sophie decided to get up early to catch a few bargains! Honestly, when the alarm clock went off at 4:30am, I thought, "nah, they'll never get up", but they did, and were out the door shortly after 5am! The only one left home to "man the castle" was Oliver, and he didn't mind because he knew what we were all up to, and sure he'd benefit! By 4pm, after covering more stores than you can imagine, we were all exhausted, out of money, and ready for a night off from cooking! Which brings us to another tradition at the Pelletier house, dinner out together on the Friday after Thanksgiving! This year, the vote took us to Brio, an Italian Bistro at the Gardens Mall. I think by the time we got home, everyone was more than happy to head to bed!

The following weekend was the Holiday Boat Parade on the intracoastal. It's south Florida's version of a Macy's parade and it puts us all in the holiday spirit! This year there were 75 boats decked out with lights, music, and animated figures. We were doubtful of even going this year, as it was pouring rain all day. But, by evening, the cool front decended, the rain stopped, the Gators lost their SEC championship game, the tree was up, decorated, and we were ready for a quick drive down to the water to catch a glimpse of the boats ! Here's a short video; night photography is difficult for me, so I know, some of the pictures aren't the greatest.

Happy Holidays!

Next... It's our 2 year anniversary as Panasonic's LiHD Family #21!

Let The Holidays Begin!

Happy Thanksgiving 2009 From The Pelletiers!

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday weekend and had a wonderful Thankgiving! This year, we were very lucky to be together, in good health, along with a turkey that wasn't dry! Lots of food, fun, and of course, pictures! We had our own "Panasonic photo shoot " before the turkey was out of the oven!

LifeAccordingtoDebbie will continue in a few days because right now, I'm busy with my gang and enjoying every minute! No time to sort through all the pictures, make a video, or write much of anything! When college kids come home, you know what happens! They bring home a "gift," and today is the first chance I've had to get to it!

Meanwhile, if you have been watching the national news, Jupiter made the headlines Thanksgiving night. Not the way to do it, though. Unfortunately, even in a terrific town like Jupiter, horrible things happen, and we were the latest community to loose 4 people in a domestic shooting. About a 1/2 mile from us, in a nice upscale housing development, an invited relative decided he didn't like something about Thanksgiving dinner and shot 6 family members, killing 4 of them, including a little 6 year old girl, sleeping in her bed. Then he left, and at this time, still has not been caught. I assume there is much more to the story than we know at this point, but in any case, it's pretty scary when something like this happens so close to home. Guy and I often take walks through this neighborhood during the evenings and it is the last place you'd ever expect anything like that to happen. And, in fact, we didn't until yesterday afternoon. Thursday night, as we were getting ready for bed, we heard sirens, but just assumed there had been a bad car accident near-by. Then helicopters started hovering, and again, since we are in the flight pattern for the Trauma Hawk, we assumed that it must have been a really accident and they were waiting to land. Little did we know what was going on! The "east side of the house" was texting the "west side of the house", which to me is pretty funny; no one willing to get out of their bed to find out what was happening outside. Electronics are great, but what happened to conversation? Funny, though and very typical of my kids!

Friday morning, all of us were out the door early for Black Friday, 5am for some, and spent the day shopping, so not until we were on our way home, and drove by the crime scene were we aware of what had happened. At first, Guy and I thought the community was having a block party, with all the cars parked on the main road, but when we drove by and saw one news truck after another lined up, reporters, police, and yellow crime scene tape blocking off the street, we realized it was no party. Curious that I am, I had Guy roll down his window and ask the police officer standing guard what was going on. Needless to say, for an entire street of families, they did not have the Thanksgiving that we all hope for each year. For them, I feel very bad.

Meanwhile, the Pelletiers are grateful for all they have together. We're watching the Gators play this afternoon, and tonight, it's time for some pizza, maybe a little more shopping at the mall, and a few more special moments before mom's baby leaves for Gainesville once again.

More to come....

2009 Stuart Air Show

It's a bird! It's a plane! Yes, the season for outdoor events has started in south Florida and it's the 2009 VNA Stuart Air Show!

With the cooler weather, we're all more willing to venture outside now, and last weekend was the perfect time for the annual Stuart Air Show, presented by the VNA. Each year, aviation enthusiasts gather together for a weekend of old aircraft displays, including war planes, stunt planes, food, and an show show that begins promptly at 1pm with jets flying over in formation. It all took place last Saturday, under clear blue skies; Oliver and Guy got an early start to take in all the festivities! Not much changes from year to year, which for some, can result in boredom after a few hours, but others had a good time and came home with a big smile! Here's a short video of the airshow and some of the old planes on the field.

Congratulations Natalie On Your New Job!

Even in today's tight economy, it didn't take too long for Natalie, our 2009 UF grad, to find herself a job in her major, advertising! Since graduation, Natalie's been working steadily as a leasing agent for an apartment complex near the UF campus in Gainesville, but it wasn't the ideal job, certainly didn't pay much, and not one that she'd spent the past four years training for at the University of Florida. Congratulations Natalie, on your new job with Blu Dove Designs! All the Pelletiers are cheering you on! We hope it will be a great beginning for your advertising career, and that before we know it, you'll be moving right to the top! [don't forget the little people that helped you get there, okay?]

Blu Dove Designs is a new and upcoming graphic design, marketing, and advertising firm located in Gainesville, Florida. Established in 2003 by Lisa Renshaw, Blu Dove Designs has a client base not only in Florida, but as well in California, Arizona, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. They are a member of the Advertising Federation of Gainesville, and are active with several non-profit organizations. Their number one goal is to help businesses succeed, with a unique team of professionals called "the Creative Collective," who's challenges are to listen to the client's needs and to meet their marketing objectives. If you visit their website, http://www.bludovedesigns.com, you will gain a better knowledge of what this company is all about!

Good Luck Natalie! Have fun and create!

Halloween Night, Pelletier Style

Happy Halloween!

Wow, it's just a few days before Halloween and still 85F+ down here in south Florida! I was really hoping we'd get a cold front, just in time for "trick 'r treat" night, to cool us down so that it would actually feel like Fall, and those Halloween masks would be a little less sweaty!

At the Pelletier house, we like to dress up and have a lot of fun making our own costumes! We've done it since our kids were little and I think, Guy and I had more fun than the kids!! Our best costume was the Statue of Liberty for Natalie, which we came up with very last minute; it won her first prize in a local costume contest! In 2001, she wanted something very patriotic, in honor of 9/11. Would you believe that Guy made the torch out of an empty Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice bottle, turned upside down, painted it gold and stuck a wooden dowl in the neck? The crown was made of thin cardboard, again, painted gold, and for her dress, we wrapped her in fabric with a few stitches here and there! If you have a chance to watch the video, you'll see Sophie as a scuba diver; another last minute idea for a costume. The tanks on her back were two empty 2 liter soda bottles, and we talked one of the respiratory therapists over at the hospital into giving us some respirator tubes and a mask! She wore a long sleeved shirt, tights, scuba fins, swim cap, and goggles. She won 2nd prize! I'm lucky that my husband is very artistic and creative person; he's painted scars on the kids using karo syrup, gelatin, tissues, and food coloring; he even made a witches' nose & wart for Natalie for her costume, another prize winner at our local Publix costume contest in 1992! So, as you can see,we've had a lot of fun with Halloween over the years!

This year, Oliver decided on a Monk's costume; suits him very well since he's tall and skinny. I've opted for a witches cape and hat, and Guy's a combination of Dracula and the Phantom! No party to go to this year, but we'll have fun answering the door! Kmart definitely had some good buys on costumes this year and an excellent assortment! 50% off last week, and needless to say, we had lots of fun, trying on several! I'm sure people watching thought we were nuts! A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Here's a video I made of 25 years of Halloween nights at the Pelletier house. One thing I've learned since I became a LiHD family, there's always something new to learn! This time, how to make your old pictures digital, so that you can upload them into your computer... take pictures of your pictures with your digital camera! It's easy; just focus and hold steady as you click away! I've found that if you do it in natural light, the pictures come out great. Lay them on a white sheet of paper, close to a window, where the light is coming in, and you won't have to use the flash. Once you get them into your computer, the possibilities are endless, as you can see!

Happy Halloween Everyone! Take lots of pictures!