Miscellaneous ramblings from my desk.
Saving on Business Phone Costs
Our company is in the process of switching our phone service from Bell Aliant to Primus. Our current basic phone service (one main number, plus a select ring number for the fax, and a toll free number) costs close to $70/month with Bell. Our switch will bring the bill for the same services – plus some additional add-ons such as callerid included – down to just over $30/month. The main difference is the Primus service uses VOip, and we won’t have a local 902-649 number anymore – the only local exchanges they offer are based in the Halifax area. That restriction, however, won’t be a problem – almost all of our calls are to/from numbers outside our local calling area, because of the national nature of our business.
Walk Loud, Carry a Big Stick
Every once in a while, we get an email ordering us to change information in a website listing within xx hours or days, and if we don’t meet their deadline, they’ll send lawyers after us. It mystifies me why the senders choose to use a heavy-handed approach in the first communication, instead of simply stating their case courteously, and asking for action. I’ve decided to handle such requests from now on with a simple email reply: “Ask nice.” Will post an update on how well this works.
Measure Once, Cut Twice
In the why-am-I-so-clutsy dept., I’ve been doing some odd-job carpentry work around the house, and got discouraged when I built a ceiling storage rack in the garage to hold an inflatable dingy. Initially, I estimated it would take me an evening – seemed like a simple job of making a wood frame, and hinging it to the rafters and setting up a pulley system to raise and lower it. Ended up making 2 versions of it – first one didn’t work right and broke, and finished it about 3 days and 10 hours of work later. I got discouraged, wondering why it took me so long and why I made so many mistakes. Life lesson – the more tired I am (which happens more now that I’m in my 50’s), and the less experience I have, the more mistakes I’ll make, and the longer something will take to do. Some people have a knack for getting it right sooner not later. I’m not one of those, at least in most endeavors. Realizing that helps me be easier on myself when I’m tackling other new things. I also realize I haven’t been out of my comfort zones for a while, which helps explain why I needed to revisit this life lesson.
Remote Control Hell
We’ve added another couple of electronics gadgets to our TV room, including their own remotes. We have a universal remote, but it’s clunky having to figure out which buttons related to which gadget. Often, I end up going to the specific remote for a device, because it’s easier to use. I guess the bottom line is I need to get a more expensive universal remote that has an lcd touch screen that you can custom program/setup for each device. If you’re gonna have a lotta toys, you can’t go halfway on the toybox.
Sailing Time
It’s my annual try-to-restore-my-sanity sailing season. I’m currently rewiring the Catalina, moving some gauges to an easier-to-see panel, plus setting up a fuse strip and installing additional lights and a fan. The work is designed to make troubleshooting any electrical issue a lot easier, adding to boating safety. Hopefully, I’ll get the remaining prep work done soon (repainting the bottom, running thru my checklist), so I can get it in the water and do some VERY relaxing sailing. Can’t wait.
That’s the ramblings for now. Hope everyone is having a great, safe early summer.
