<p>(besides my family) …definitely TIVO and my Blackberry.
How I wish I could have the once a week cleaning person. </p>
<p>Other than that, I take what I can get :)</p>
<p>Google. It is so easy to find information now. I used to spend DAYS in the medical school library looking up papers for my work. Now I find them in minutes on-line. Same for pop-culture info too. I used to listen to some records over and over again to copy down the lyrics. Now it’s all at my finger tips. Those Google founders deserve their billions IMO.</p>
<p>Totally ditto on the ear plugs. Also, Unisom sleeping pills (only once in a while).</p>
<p>Looony2nz, lololu, good point, but IDK if kids make life easier… just more interesting and fun!</p>
<p>And, agree, heated car seats.</p>
<p>If I had had heated car seats when I was pregnant, I never would have gotten out of the car.</p>
<p>DVR, Dishwasher,microwave, garden hoses, and like paying3tuitions- a park where Fido can run when no one is there. I love letting the dog be a dog!</p>
<p>Heated car seats! Now this may sound strange since I am from way down south, but on long trips, they are a lifesaver for my back. Gettin’ old ain’t for sissies!</p>
<p>DVR! Finally can watch stuff on my own timetable.</p>
<p>Comfort height toilets! No explaination necessary.</p>
<p>Weber Grill! Cooks so much better than any other grill I have ever owned, and I have owned many. I highly recommend spending the extra for a Weber, if it is feasible.</p>
<p>Pageturner - ditto on the Toto toilets! I have a ridiculous affection for our toilets. I am the only girl in the family of four, and when I used to harp about the toilet seat they would laugh and suggest that I put the seat up for them! Now, well, you understand I’m sure! When we go to high end hotels I feel like I’m slumming in the bathrooms, lol. Slam! For those of you who may be wondering, the Totos have a magical system where the seat eases down without slamming. You can tap the thing and it drops down gently. </p>
<p>I do love the wood stove. Will not live in a home without one. Great to have heat, hot water and hot food when the power goes out. And at least one cozy spot in the house when the rest of the place is heated to 50 degrees in January.</p>
<p>“Earplugs: changed my life. My husband snores.” ???</p>
<p>-There is only one bedroom in a house? Ayway, different bedrooms work very well. </p>
<p>Cleanning lady is my favorite </p>
<p>Getting into something new and exciting to do after work - new hobby to prevent “empty nest” depression .</p>
<p>Definitely sticking to exercise for couple hours / day and having chocolate for breakfast makes the day ahead much more enjoyable. The best is to swim at 6am before office - this one is getting some chemicals in a body going that makes you very energetic for the whole day, everybody who swims early says so.</p>
<p>The most I appreciate though is having a job. It is very hard not having one. Talking from experience - have been out of job 9 times.</p>
<p>Ditto for Google – the world at my fingertips.</p>
<p>Also, the ability to access the county library system catalog online, reserve books to be left for me at my local branch, and be able to renew them online with one click as well.</p>
<p>Online shopping, which saves me trips to the mall.</p>
<p>The local Goodwill drop-off spot, which enables me to declutter without guilt. (At last, one non-online item!) ;)</p>
<p>My Miele vaccum.</p>
<p>Replacing 22 year old budget mattress with pillowtop, but firm posturepedic was one of the smartest things I ever did. Who knew sleep could be so wonderful?</p>
<p>Also, I am enamored with our fridge that has water and ice through the door. </p>
<p>The microwave changed my life too…about 30 years ago.</p>
<p>My Droid.
I just got back from a trip to Zion National Park. I used the navigation system, searched and contacted hotels and restaurants on the fly, used the camera, researched local history, hired an off road guide AND during a crisis at my office, I was able to keep in contact and take care of business.(without returning home) VACATION SAVED.</p>
<p>Re Snoring: Gentlefolk get ye to a sleep disorder clinic - the snorer in our family found they were waking up every 30 seconds. No wonder they were so tired all the time. Sleep apnea - nothing to snore about!</p>
<p>Skyhook, where did you get the bug zapper? Sounds like a great Father’s Day present for my dad. :)</p>
<p>I actually use a personal concierge service. This is a heavenly addition to my life that I’m still not fully getting used to. An old friend and former employee of mine started this business four years ago and it has taken really taken off! </p>
<p>I use her mostly for pet and house sitting when we’re away, but she does all sorts of things for folks: grocery shopping, errand running (including dry cleaners etc), airport pick ups, waiting for the delivery or repair man, moving the car to alternate side parking, wrapping Christmas presents, event planning, finding and vetting vendors and service providers, creating gift baskets… She has a whole other side of the business that focuses on corporate clients, and her husband joined her business last year and provides computer repair consulting and troubleshooting, marketing services, builds websites… </p>
<p>It’s basically one-stop shopping for all those little things that need doing, and then you scratch your head wondering when and how and who it all will fit into your busy schedule. Whenever I have an item like that pop up, I just think: “Call XX!”</p>
<p>My perspective was a little different after being in Peace Corps for a couple years.
A few things I praise God for: Running water, hot shower, electricity, refrigerator, flush toilet, central heat/AC, car, modern feminine hygiene products. </p>
<p>I can live without it, but I really love my microwave. Fast, frozen, and convenience foods save me a lot of time.
Wash and wear fabrics–think of all the time Mom spent ironing!</p>
<p>Computer/internet–just awesome having instant access to so much information. Remember having to go to the library to do research?</p>
<p>Oh yeah–my glasses. Can’t live without them.</p>
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<p>We have one too, and they’re awesome! We bought ours at Camping World. Not sure where else they sell them or if you have a local Camping World store.</p>
<p>Definitely a great Father’s Day gift!</p>
<p>Edit: You can order one online! 
<a href=“http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/personal-bug-zapper/16609[/url]”>http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/personal-bug-zapper/16609</a></p>
<p>Buying a cell phone & answering machine so I am no longer tied to my home or any specific place. </p>
<p>Learning how to do e-mail & keep in touch with people all over the world.</p>
<p>Learning about Hotwire & other on-line travel sites (cheaper options, made life easier & more complicated).</p>
<p>Learning how to use powerpoint and excel and word.</p>
<p>Roomba, my favorite electronic slave!</p>
<p>I’m guessing it will be the 3g ipad I’ll be lining up for tomorrow. WIfi pretty much everywhere and all of the iphone apps.</p>