I am back in the land of the technologically living! Tridon (the local Telus dealer) called me this morning to tell me that my replacement phone was in . . . so I took off from work an hour early to pick up the phone. I've re-loaded all of my information onto it, so it's like we were hardly apart (aside from SEVERAL missed phone calls and text messages).
I'm not done with Telus though - there is no way on this green earth I'm paying for 10 days of cell service that I didn't use. Plus I need to be reimbursed for items that I had downloaded onto my phone, which are now long gone. This should be the fun part - wish me luck!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Still no cell phone
'Nuff said. Sigh.
And now I've written down the name of the so-called "customer service" rep that I've dealt with for most of the past 10 days. She has NO customer service skills at all, and was rude again today (she's the one I talked to on Friday as well). I plan to make a complaint when all of this is done - but not until AFTER I have a functioning phone in my hot little hands.
Gotta comment on the guys doing construction on some pipe that runs under the walking path by my house. They have a truck with supplies blocking the walking path . . . so I have to use the sidewalk, which is no big deal. But their construction signs are blocking the sidewalk, so I have to either walk on the road (not safe) or on peoples' lawns (most people don't want two dogs on their lawn). Smart thinkin' guys!
And now I've written down the name of the so-called "customer service" rep that I've dealt with for most of the past 10 days. She has NO customer service skills at all, and was rude again today (she's the one I talked to on Friday as well). I plan to make a complaint when all of this is done - but not until AFTER I have a functioning phone in my hot little hands.
Gotta comment on the guys doing construction on some pipe that runs under the walking path by my house. They have a truck with supplies blocking the walking path . . . so I have to use the sidewalk, which is no big deal. But their construction signs are blocking the sidewalk, so I have to either walk on the road (not safe) or on peoples' lawns (most people don't want two dogs on their lawn). Smart thinkin' guys!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Haves & Have Nots
200 Have and Have nots! - I've seen this on a few blogs -the bolded things are the things I've done
1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway (or equivalent to your country) play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked Mt. Everest
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter
1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway (or equivalent to your country) play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked Mt. Everest
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter
Friday, July 18, 2008
Telus rant
Let me just start off by saying that until now, I've never really had an issue with Telus. Oh, there have been small incidents over the past 10 years or so, but nothing that was enough to make me want to rant about it in a public forum. That has changed.
Last weekend, while driving home from Edmonton, my cell phone died. I really have NO idea what happened - I checked it before we left and everything was fine. Then, I tried to check it while stopped for construction, and it wouldn't work. Those of you that know me know that I rely on my phone a LOT. So my mom and I stopped at the Telus dealer on the way into the city.
They told me that they'd have to order in a phone for an advance swap, and that they'd then send this one out for evaluation. They told me it would take 3-5 business days for the swap phone to come in. Here it is, 5 business days later, and there's no sign of the new phone. When I called the store, the girl seemed to care very little that my life is being disrupted by the lack of a phone (they don't offer loaner phones). In fact, she almost (but not overtly) seemed to take pleasure in telling me that it might be in on Monday. Maybe.
This is really pissing me off - forgive the vulgar language, but seriously. It's a complete inconvenience, and nobody gives a darn at all. I hope, beyond all reasonable hope, that the phone is in on Monday.
Last weekend, while driving home from Edmonton, my cell phone died. I really have NO idea what happened - I checked it before we left and everything was fine. Then, I tried to check it while stopped for construction, and it wouldn't work. Those of you that know me know that I rely on my phone a LOT. So my mom and I stopped at the Telus dealer on the way into the city.
They told me that they'd have to order in a phone for an advance swap, and that they'd then send this one out for evaluation. They told me it would take 3-5 business days for the swap phone to come in. Here it is, 5 business days later, and there's no sign of the new phone. When I called the store, the girl seemed to care very little that my life is being disrupted by the lack of a phone (they don't offer loaner phones). In fact, she almost (but not overtly) seemed to take pleasure in telling me that it might be in on Monday. Maybe.
This is really pissing me off - forgive the vulgar language, but seriously. It's a complete inconvenience, and nobody gives a darn at all. I hope, beyond all reasonable hope, that the phone is in on Monday.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Puppy Kindergarten Graduation
Look at me sitting! I'm such a good boy - I'm watching my mom too!
It's so hard being this amazing . . . no more photos, please. I need a break from the paw-parazzi
Whoa, check out that handsome dude in the mirror! He's almost as good looking as me!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Sweet Baby James
Be still my heart. On Saturday night, I got to see THE James Taylor in concert. Most people my age don't have a clue who James Taylor is, as he was popular in the 70's, but he still has a big following. And I am included within that group. He was absolutely AMAZING! For a guy in his sixties, he still has amazing energy. And his voice is as awesome as it was when he got his start. He had a wonderful back-up band that he calls his Band of Legends. Each one of those musicians is a star in their own right - they were awesome. The concert was made up of covers (songs originally done by other artists) and James Taylor classics. Every song was excellent, but of note were "Steamroller" and of course "Sweet Baby James."
I have been so lucky over the past year to see arists that have never traveled to Canada before - Van Morrison (who rarely tours at all) and James Taylor. I'm not sure that I can top these concerts . . . they were both breathtaking adventures!
Thanks for letting me share my excitement. As corny as it is, I got tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat when he started singing his first song. What a dream!
I have been so lucky over the past year to see arists that have never traveled to Canada before - Van Morrison (who rarely tours at all) and James Taylor. I'm not sure that I can top these concerts . . . they were both breathtaking adventures!
Thanks for letting me share my excitement. As corny as it is, I got tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat when he started singing his first song. What a dream!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
My Mom's Peonies
Just some more playing around with my Canon Rebel XTi - I am still enjoying this camera just as much as I did when I first got it. These are my mom's peonies, which are in full bloom and gorgeous.
Hot, hot, hot!
You know, the scary part is that it's not really that hot outside. It's been in the low to mid 20's this week, which is pretty average for our summers. But the air conditioning in our building at work has been on the fritz for a couple of days now, and it's like working in a sauna! My office has been hovering around 30 degrees, and I've been walking around looking like a lobster. I have a fan on me at all times, however that just seems to be moving hot air around the office.
It was a real treat to come home from work tonight and walk into an air conditioned house. This is only our second summer with air conditioning, but man, I really do NOT know how we survived without it before! It takes the edge off and makes things comfortable.
Hopefully the AC at work will be fixed soon. Preferably before November!
It was a real treat to come home from work tonight and walk into an air conditioned house. This is only our second summer with air conditioning, but man, I really do NOT know how we survived without it before! It takes the edge off and makes things comfortable.
Hopefully the AC at work will be fixed soon. Preferably before November!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
I just don't get it
Last night Jack-Jack and I went to puppy class. The drive from my place to the class location takes about 15 minutes in good traffic. Traffic was so-so - not great but not horrible either. There was a bit of a line-up, but nothing that was extraordinary.
As I was merging into traffic, I saw a motorbike pull out of the line of traffic into the MERGING lane on the right, pass two cars, and pull back into traffic. Ummm, what? Last time I checked, passing on the right was NOT allowed. Doesn't matter what kind of vehicle you drive, you should always follow the rules of the road. I just shook my head and rolled my eyes.
People wonder why more bike drivers get killed than regular drivers . . . it's because of foolishness like that. Let me clarify - not all bike drivers are reckless. I know some VERY responsible ones. But this was completely unsafe, and I highly doubt this guy would have done the same thing in a car.
That's my rant for the day. Drive safely folks . . .
As I was merging into traffic, I saw a motorbike pull out of the line of traffic into the MERGING lane on the right, pass two cars, and pull back into traffic. Ummm, what? Last time I checked, passing on the right was NOT allowed. Doesn't matter what kind of vehicle you drive, you should always follow the rules of the road. I just shook my head and rolled my eyes.
People wonder why more bike drivers get killed than regular drivers . . . it's because of foolishness like that. Let me clarify - not all bike drivers are reckless. I know some VERY responsible ones. But this was completely unsafe, and I highly doubt this guy would have done the same thing in a car.
That's my rant for the day. Drive safely folks . . .
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Thankful Thursday
Well, even though I did the Thankful Alphabet earlier this week, I'm going to try and come up with a good Thankful Thursday post as well. Goodness knows that I have plenty to be thankful for . . . it's just writing about it without sounding sappy and trite that's a challenge.
Today I'm thankful for my new boss. I know, I know, that sounds trite right off the bat. But it's true. My old boss was very good - don't get me wrong. He was fair, honest and good to work for. But my new boss is kind of like a breath of fresh air. Not only is he very approachable and fair, but he is also very friendly. It's funny, but you don't realize how much that can make a difference until you get exposed to it after a long "dry spell." My old boss was certainly friendly too, but he was from the old school of management, which prescribes a clear line between employer and employee. It was never uncomfortable, but with the new boss it's just really nice. He eats lunch with us every day, and takes an interest in our lives (just like we're interested in his, since he moved here from Australia for the job).
He's open to discussion, even casual conversation. He makes a point of greeting everybody every day, and ensuring that he has time to meet with you regarding any issues or concerns you might have. He keeps up to date with your progress on various tasks, and provides advice and support as needed. I know - he sounds like a paragon!
So far, I'm really enjoying the new boss, and I look forward to working with him over the next couple of years.
Enjoy your weekend! I'm headed out of town for an overnight trip, so there'll be lots of driving, but plenty of fun too!
Today I'm thankful for my new boss. I know, I know, that sounds trite right off the bat. But it's true. My old boss was very good - don't get me wrong. He was fair, honest and good to work for. But my new boss is kind of like a breath of fresh air. Not only is he very approachable and fair, but he is also very friendly. It's funny, but you don't realize how much that can make a difference until you get exposed to it after a long "dry spell." My old boss was certainly friendly too, but he was from the old school of management, which prescribes a clear line between employer and employee. It was never uncomfortable, but with the new boss it's just really nice. He eats lunch with us every day, and takes an interest in our lives (just like we're interested in his, since he moved here from Australia for the job).
He's open to discussion, even casual conversation. He makes a point of greeting everybody every day, and ensuring that he has time to meet with you regarding any issues or concerns you might have. He keeps up to date with your progress on various tasks, and provides advice and support as needed. I know - he sounds like a paragon!
So far, I'm really enjoying the new boss, and I look forward to working with him over the next couple of years.
Enjoy your weekend! I'm headed out of town for an overnight trip, so there'll be lots of driving, but plenty of fun too!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Happy Canada Day!
Today is Canada's birthday - so of course, that means fireworks (last night), parades and all kinds of activities. I took my nieces to the parade with my mom, and brought Jack along for fun. He wasn't thrilled about the bagpipes and sirens, but he was THRILLED about the attention he got from the kids around us. He really adores kids, thank goodness! He is getting more and more social with every passing week. The puppy kindergarten classes have helped immensely.
My mom took the kids down to the river front for some activities, but I decided to come home and enjoy the quiet for a bit. As much as I love my nieces and nephew, sometimes I love the quiet too. So this is one of those times. I was thinking I might put a movie on and just relax. I still haven't watched "The Incredibles" and since that's where Jack's nickname came from (Jack-Jack Attack!), I guess I should ;)
Hope you're enjoying your day, and if you're a Canuck, Happy Canada Day!
My mom took the kids down to the river front for some activities, but I decided to come home and enjoy the quiet for a bit. As much as I love my nieces and nephew, sometimes I love the quiet too. So this is one of those times. I was thinking I might put a movie on and just relax. I still haven't watched "The Incredibles" and since that's where Jack's nickname came from (Jack-Jack Attack!), I guess I should ;)
Hope you're enjoying your day, and if you're a Canuck, Happy Canada Day!
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