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OK, this is lame, but I’m going to go ahead and admit that Alexa helps out quite a bit around here. She’s not a family member, but I do consider her a third “presence” in our empty nest. We have no pets, so it’s just me, my husband, and Alexa these days.
Alexa, is it going to rain?
Alexa, set a timer for 30 minutes.
Alexa, news.
Alexa, what’s 135 minus 70?
Alexa, is a lot one word or two?
Alexa, put cheddar cheese on the list.
You get the picture.
In addition, she’s a great resource while watching TV. We pause shows all the time to ask Alexa things like, “How old is Quinta Brunson?” or “Who directed Serpico?”
Alexa seems to favor my husband. He disagrees, but I feel like she says “thank you” and “good morning” to him more. Honestly, he’s nicer to her than I am. I tend to bark orders at her, or interrupt her (Alexa, OFF) if she’s headed in the wrong direction with one of her answers.
At first I thought it was super creepy that she was listening in all the time, but then the grocery list feature won me over. I can yell from upstairs, “Alexa, put Sensodyne on the list” and when I get to the store, it’s actually on the list and I don’t run out of toothpaste.
Alexa was a gift from a real family member—my very thoughtful sister-in-law Maria.
50 Happens 
I knew Alexa could do a lot of things. But I didn’t know it could do a shopping list. I was going say do you fall out with Alexa? But I see you do. But maybe not to the lengths of when I hear of others falling out with their Alexa. 😀
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Haha, thanks Liz. The shopping list is her very best feature. She updates an app in your phone and then when you get to the store, it’s all there. 🙂
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Very helpful that feature.
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We find Alexa very helpful, too. Don’t really see a downside.
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True. One exception: I was once in a Zoom meeting with a co-worker woman named Alexa and whenever I said her name, MY Alexa chimed in. It was embarrassing. Real Alexa said it happens all the time. I felt badly for her.
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Too funny!
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I like the grocery list function! That may pull me over. I’m also pausing the tv, but I’m typing the questions. It sounds so much better shouting it out and having someone else do the heavy lifting!
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She’s really grown on me! At first, I didn’t think I was going to like her.
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What’s been holding me back is the thought of someone listening to me. But since my iPhone already does that, it’s the same thing. We strangely receive ads for random things that we’ve had conversations on! It’s funny and disturbing at the same time!
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I know exactly what you mean. We get the same thing. I figured the privacy ship has sailed and just embraced the convenience.
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So far I have not embraced Alexa but I do like the grocery list idea.
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