Don't Make A Sale Department

It was just bad.... I do my backup's on-line with Iron Mountain - been a customer since I began my business (some ten years) as it was the only way to get a backup off premise. It is the greatest assistant - always works, even when I don't.

So with my new computer - I moved my files from the old computer to the new computer- that was easy enough. Now I need to get the backup to access the new drive and I'm loving life. So go on-line to "my account" LOL - I can not log in, then try the FAQ's, no luck, then I find a link to send an email and send one - that was 20 Days AGO!; (Iron Mountain is trying my patience) and by the way - they are charging new customers 1/3 of the price - some new pricing deal that current customers don't know about?. (sounds like the phone company!)

Day by Day ........ no email returned; so EIGHT DAYS ago - I call and am on hold for 30 minutes - finally get someone. He is trying though we are struggling with communication in english. Now I wish I studied French longer! I get the software fixed, yet the first line of the "support" doesn't really know the software. He had to keep putting me on hold to get answers to questions........ big sigh on my part. I get a "ticket number" on the billing question as he can't answer any of my questions.

Day by Day ........ no email returned; so TODAY - I call and am on hold.... yada yada yada skip to the action.

The chap says "oh you have a ticket number they are really working on it and they will get in touch with you". yeah?? when??? He said " I put a note in your file to let them know that you called today", "you know you are not the only customer". Oh really?? I promised him I will call every 12 hours!

Now pi$$ me off royally! -

So I found the phone number for Headquarters - Boston MA. Heck I'll drive up there. The Buck needs to Stop somewhere and I'm just the one to find who it is.

I get a real person that answers the phone - she1 - Operator.

I tell her the story and she sends me to - she2 - Receptionist.

I tell her the story and she sends me to the - he3 - he handles CT.

I tell him the story and he sends me to - he4 - the credit card department.

I telll him the story and he sends me to - he5 - on-line credit card department.

This he is Kevin- in PA.

I'm so fustrated that I could scream (I don't). Kevin can't access my account to make the change in the billing; Kevin can't get to the ticket number; yet I can hear him fevorishly typing an email; puts me on hold and comes back to say that a "tech" guy will call me back in one minute. So we hang up - the phone rings - somewhere from overseas - this guy Bradeeba6 assists me with that change.

A pleasant enough chap until I wanted the name of the "big cheese" incharge of customer service. I want to send him a letter - he gives me a generic email addresss... no way - I want a real live name of a real live person - one that is walking talking and breathing. I do finally get the name of the guy and he's going to get a real letter telling him about this adventure - should be a chance for some re-training :)

Back to the events..... LOL I still couldn't log in!

I get Bradeeba6 to get me Kevin back! I want my credit! Yesseree - Kevin calls back in a few more minutes and indicates (with an email follow up) that he will credit me two months at the old rate (equivalent to four months plus at the new rate).

Day by Day ......... Thank you Kevin in the accounting department!! Someone at Iron Mountain better give this guy a raise! He made it happen and may have saved a customer for his employer! I wished him a great weekend - possibly a beer or two :)

I Wish You Enough

I received this from a great friend that lives far away. It hopefully will let you take a moment - to be thankful for what has past.... appreciate and live the present ... and ponder the events of the future.

Recently I overheard a mother & daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged & the mother said, 'I love you, & I wish you enough.' The daughter replied, 'Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom.' They kissed & the daughter left.

The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted & needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?' '

Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'.

'I am old, & she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead & the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral,' she said. '

When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'

She began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.' She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, & she smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.'

Then turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory:

~~I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

~~I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

~~I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive & everlasting.

~~I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

~~I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

~~I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

~~I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

She then began to cry & walked away.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.

Average - That's not for me!

Most times I've several books going at the same time. Generally they may be of the same topic so I get a virtual discussion going with the various authors.

This time, I'm reading one author, Seth Godin's books. I've been following his blog - great writer both in books and the blog. Thanks to the Lucy Robbins Welles Library and CT's InterLibrary Loan program - as I've been able to assemble about 5 of his books so far.

One of his books - "the dip" - a little book that teaches you when to quit (and when to stick) is quite good. If you are in one of those situations when both ends are pulling at you and you don't know what / where / when to do or go, then this little charm is great.

One passage, I think, sums it up, Seth says (pg 44) " The next time you catch yourself being average when you feel like quitting, realize that you have only two good choices: Quit or be exceptional. Average is for losers."

If you are looking for a few helpful hints and strategies to get you through your "dip", then pick up a copy of the book - I guarantee you'll get a million dollar tip out of it.

Happy Birthday Seamus

Happy Birthday Seamus,
And with luck on your special day ..... a snow day! As I write in your honor right now, the flakes have begun to fall. It's your Lucky 7th!

The newest member to my extended family. Master Seamus is a most AWESOME young man. He's been a repeat visitor at the Yelof Inn and Spa. You are the kind of kid you generally have an amazing time with. He and I ran around as he put it "for two nights and three days" taking care of business then going out for fun. We "did lunch", went to the library, brought Santa into Hartford, watched movies together, learn to read books and generally have a great time.

Now you are going to enjoy yet another amazing year - it's time to continue to read, study math and science in school, play lots!, be kind to your brother and sisters. Live each day with joy, remember to brush your teeth, be kind and thankful.

Most of all,,,, enjoy the day as you are the A-W-E-S-O-M-E ONE! Happy Birthday
Love , Aunt Patty

p.s. when are you coming sledding?

The New Library Expansion!

Yes ---- I've been sitting on this news for weeks! Yes ----- I've been jumping up and down - thank goodness there wasn't sound yet. Yes --------- in the couple of weeks before Christmas and through the holidays, a rendering of a proposed expansion to our wonderful library - Newington's public library - the Lucy Robbins Welles Library is on paper and has been presented to obtain funding. Today - I met with Marian, our Director and she showed me the initial architectual drawings.

Big thanks to Mayor Jeff Wright - to Director Marian Amodeo - and to the staff, the patrons and to all of you who believe that we will have an expansion sooner than later. To the Town Council - we have our work cut out for us. Our Library is a most prized possession in our town, available to every taxpayer and resident in town. I'll be there to assist you in what ever way there is so that we continue to deliver to our residents great library services!

In good times and in the current times - our staff is innovative, they continue to provided the services that we have all become accustomed to. The Library Board joins with our Director to insure that we have this great place in the heart of our community. The Friends of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, raise funds - one dollar at a time - to assist the Library in providing the funding for programs and extra's not provided by our town budget. I recently needed several books for my work and the volumes we not to be found. Yet the staff made it possible to find both books. One came from another library in Connecticut and one is coming from out-of-state.

As there is much to do about the funding - Thank you in advance to State Representatives Sandy H. Nafis, Tim Obrien, and Tony Guerrera and State Senator Paul R. Doyle and to Governor M. Jodi Rell - with these folks working on our behalf, we will get our much needed expansion underway.

Now for You - you need to call the Town Council - call the State congress people - let them know how important our Library is to us.

Your truly ---
Awardee of the 2008 Connecticut Outstanding Friend of a Library Award !!

A New Era Begins

January 20th - every 4th year or so - some 54 to date - and we, the citizens of the United States, had our President sworned in.

It's a new era - while his speech wasn't riviting, it continued to "sell" the hope to the country and to it's citizens and those around the world. Hope is the only way to get us up, pull up your boot straps, and get to work. Whether you voted for President Obama or not, it's time to put aside the cranky whatevers, and begin to work to get ourselves fixed from the delimina we have arrived in.

The Congress is heavily at work, I'm expecting to see President Obama's 1st tax law (how we are now going to spell relief) by the 24th of February. It's going to have serious pork involved - so get out your pen and pencil - nope - get the phone number of your congress men/women and call their office! Make yourself known. THEY WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Keep tuned - I'll be letting you know new "deals" that are going before the fed's and here in CT.

Really - though - call the people that are in office whether you voted for them or not,

It takes only one person to begin to create change - I hope you'll help us all out.

New Computer

Last Year was a big year with lots that I came into and accomplished......... except for getting a new computer.

So last week I completed my order with Dell - Monday night at 6pmEST. The Sales Guy - Alan - was okay, but he didn't remember an 8" floppy, a 5 1/4" floppy, and as to the 3.5" floppy - he said he had some recollections about it. Ouch - I've been around programing from my first computer experience at Hillcrest Jr High (1968)- where you had wires with plugs into a board and slap that board into a slot and power up the computer to have it do two or three transactions. Then it was the Main Frame at UCONN (1978) - with more than 700 IBM cards - color coded and bound together. I could get the computer to do a bunch of stuff, provided I fed them into the machine and waited and prayed I did not have a card punched incorrectly!

Fast forward - 2008 - I'm in my office, with 130 GB hard Drive, 1 GB of memory, 256m video display with two screens (that's only one of the three computers I use for the business) - and I feel like I'm back to 1978! Forty-eight seconds to open an application. I'll never get any work accomplished without a new solution. I work with about ten windows open at all times; of course business stuff that can be 3 or 4 ; spreadsheet or two; Word docs; database; email; Explorer with several pages open.

This week, Alan, the guy at Dell, assisted me with my purchase of a new computer. He said it would be 3-5 days for build and 3-5 days to ship. Short side 6 days - long side 10 ten days. So sometime next week - okay. If you ever ordered something from Dell, you know their customer communication system is amazing. By the time you hang up, the system begins to whirl, email after email - order received, build begun, boxed, ready for shipment, shipped, in transit, ...... then ding-dong the door bell rings - it's the FedEx guy bringing four boxes of equipment! Remember I said it was 6pm on Monday - and at 3:00pm on Thursday - it was here. Mind you the longest part of this little adventure for my new baby was the time it spent with the FedEx guy.

New twist - Dell does not include simple one-page glossy instruction on how to plug in the machine. Its on the machine - but how do you plug in the machine attach the #%$@#$% cables to it? No color coded map of anything. I get Alan on the phone - he gets the technical support - which sends me to the Dell site (mind you, you wouldn't have found it if you tried) the "Quick Reference Guide" - 76 pages long! Yet it is exactly what I needed.

Without too much trouble - I get my new machine up and running. Now I'm in the process of reloading various pieces of software. There is a new Wizard that didn't come with my previous Dell - a transfer wizard that enables (so they say) to transfer your data files via a serial cable. I'll let you know how that works.

By the way - now with an extra computer in the office - I needed an additional desk! Gotta love the Technology!

What the World Needs Now is .... Courage

“Optimism is the foundation of courage.”

.... Ahhhh - how true is this statement. Six words - yet when all together define an outlook on life. When someone is Optimistic, then there is Hope. Life without Hope, in my opinion, isn't much to get up for.

With Hope begins the imagination of 'what could be', 'how would this be if I did something', begins to flow. This is the exact point where you need the extra shot of optimism as you need to keep the nay-sayers out of your thought process.

Now you have cemented the 'possible new', and you leap! That's Courage. Believing in yourself, Believing you Can, Believing you will succeed.

How's your Courage today? ::)

Guess who's going to Washington DC?

Was I surprised to read, on the front page of the Hartford Courant yesterday - the Trumbull High School Golden Eagles Marching Band will be playing in the 56th Inaugural parade.

WoW! Congratulations to the band members, to their director and parents and friends that make this truly a remarkable program at my old high school.

I had my joy of being in the band in at Hillcrest Jr High - both concert and marching - I played the glockenspiel. For those of you not informed - The glockenspiel (German, "set of bells" or "play-[of-]bells", also known as orchestra bells and, in its portable form, bell lira or bell lyre) is a musical instrument in the percussion family. It is similar to the xylophone, in that it has tuned bars laid out in a fashion resembling a piano keyboard. The xylophone's bars are wooden, while the glockenspiel's are metal, thus making it a metallophone.

The Courant link above will take you to the article and a YouTube video for a slice of one of their competitions. If you haven't ever been involved in "band" , then I must say you missed something. Being in Band has an amazing togetherness considering the amount of time you spend in practise, not only your instrument, but the marching. It is an amazing group of young adults. We should be all proud of them. By the way - if you have a some loose change - why not make a donation to them!

It's My Birthday!!!! And my 100th Blog Entry

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to meeeeeee, Happy Birthday to me.

I've just (at 2:56pm today, the 12th) completed my 53rd year - wow it's been a heck of a ride! I'd do it all again if I was given the chance - would not change one thing! As to my 100th blog - how appropriate to be able to make it my own birthday wishes.

This new year will have its challenges, yet I am looking ahead with more than my glass half full attitude. Getting excited about a day has been what I live for. Of course with the age of technology, we have the opportunity as individuals in the bigger picture to get-together "viritually" . I've begun to receive good wishes from friends far and near. Thanks to Dan in Georgia, Shawn in California, Dirk & Leila in Storrs, and a whole host of friends I saw today at Jerry's birthday party.

This past year has proved to be quite the year of events. Between tax season; clients selling and buying businesses; realigning myself in my volunteer work; being awarded CT 2008 Individual Achievement award for a Friend of a Library; making a major change with a move to a new home, of course the office too; bringing Stanley to the family picnic; begin a blog or two or three, set up YouTube, Facebook and Twitter; selling my old home; giving up ten days to take care of the St. Louis kids; have guests stay at the new home; find Bob the carpenter and work him almost around the clock to get me settled in; unpack my christmas decorations and decorate my new home; and make it to Christmas Eve, pictured here, for our 'annual dinner out' courtsey of Uncle Bob. Inbetween all of that I've worked well at my business, made several crochet projects, attended activities at the Lace Guild, continue to run and grow the membership of the Friends of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library's.


If you'd like to take a mini view down memory lane.... follow this link to my Facebook
for some still photo's - then I tried my hand at making a movie - so here's my first attempt. It was fun to do, now I need to just learn the software a bit more :)



THanks for stopping by :)

How do you live your Dash?

I am visiting the continued thoughts about making resolutions, the "new" of the New Year and came across this little story. So I pass it along to you --- take a moment to think about yourself, do you smile more?

Do you have the time to be a "quality time" giver? Or do you just run from one task/event to the next?

Make your Dash the best you can!

I read of a man who stood up to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke the following date with tears.
But said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time that she had spent alive on the earth.
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash--
What matters most is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about it long and hard..... are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what is true and real,
And try to understand the way other people feel.
Be less quick to anger and show appreciation more,
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved them before.
Treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile,
Remembering this special dash might only last a while.
So when you eulogy is being read, with your life's actions to rehash,
Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spend your dash?
Author Unknown

In a Winter Wonderland

Hi all,


This is my view out the back of my place, serene and peaceful. Of course the trees are bare except for the evergreens - though the structure of the branches is so amazing. Watching the snow fall softly is such an enjoyable moment for me.




This was taken after the first snow storm in December. Though we only received a few inches the night before, it was the first night my car was able to sleep in the garage!

On the right hand side, you may see the satellite condo for my family of squirrels. There is four of them and they vist frequently to the lower level feeding pan

Their feathered friends are many and visit on the middle level. Everyone has their place to dine at my place.

This winter has been great - tomorrow we are expecting another storm - I think it will be the 4th or so that has had an appreciable accumulation of snow. Here's hoping for 4-8" by Sunday a.m.

Happy Birthday Savannah

Happy Birthday Savannah,

So it's the Big Number 9! The last of the single digit years. Next year we'll get to welcome you into the double digit club.

Today is your birthday - a special day to celebrate YOU! While you share the day with your sister, it's still the most important day. I think I can say, for anyone that has met you, you are quite the quintential young lady - especially in pink.

I enjoyed your stay with me this past summer. Picking out the plants for the herb garden and planting the red flowers and surprising Ms. Julie. Of course there is "your plant" in my garden that reminds me every day you were here to visit. The two of us going for ice cream and "being Turnpike chicks at Mort's" was cool. Of course the trip to the Library to find new stories to read. Hope you'll come to stay again !

For you, today - I wish you lots of pink, great studies at school, pink pigs, even the piggy slippers for Christmas. There is a big world out there just waiting for a smart girl like you. Lots to do and see!

Happy Birthday

Love, Aunt Patty

Happy Birthday Jordan

Happy Birthday Miss Jordan,

I'm amazed at how the time has flown and how you have evolved from a cute little kid to a "new" teenager. Congratulations at getting out of "tweenies" with out much struggle.

Now with the onset of the teen years - it is an amazing ride. All of us have been there, and I'll be the first to say that some days are sooooooooooo long you think they'll never end, then there are some that will flash by in a minute or two and you'll be sad they are over.

Making memories are what each day is about. So when you lay your thoughts down at the end of the day, say your thanks, remember the good you accomplished for you and those that are around you.

This new year takes you to new challenges - you made the cheerleading team

at school- so practice your cheers and be sure to stretch out first!; enjoy going to gymnastics - it's a great time to get really focused on your skills; time to become a young lady - so love yourself first; dream lots of dreams - they are the true path to moving ahead.

So enjoy your day ----------- Happy Birthday to you!

Love,

Aunt Patty

New Look

Most of us like something new. So for you loyal fans - some 20 or more of you, here's a fresh look - almost like being at the shore.

Variety is the spice of life - having the opportunity to try it is good as it stretches yourself to be the best, watch around yourself and keep on inventing. Don't you find it great to be around someone who has done, gone, or just has kept up with current events. It's those that have not much to say, or can only live in the past, that begins my yawn machine. Today is more important and even tomorrow - the possibilities are endless!

So shake up your day - drive to work a different way, try a different flavor of soft drink, smile at a stranger, pet a dog, cuddle a kitty......... I dare you ...... shake it up.

ps can you feel the cool breeze, smell the salt water? Go ahead and close your eyes, take a moment to visit a special place of your own

Resolutions -- Read a Book

- READ a book! How many of YOU are taking a few moments of time to read...... it doesn't matter what you read.... the newspaper, journals, magazines, .... or even books!

Last night was our kickoff for the Winter Reading Program at the Lucy Robbins Welles Library! The Friends of the Library are supporting the programs for the adults, kids, and teens. More than 150 adults came by yesterday to 'sign up' , receive a goodie bag and a free paperback book! Let alone some refreshments. This Saturday is the kids and teens kickoff program. Come and join us. If you aren't in the area - hook up with your own public library!

Winter Reading is not a book discussion group or a One Book One Town program - it is a program to promote reading. You read books, let the staff know, and get a raffle ticket for each book and the chance to win the weekly raffle prize and the grand prize (the fine print is available at the Library). This is just plain fun.

Right now I'm reading Seth Godin's books. What an inspiration this guy is - great writer, easy read with a big message.

What have you read lately? Chime in!

Happy New Year

Hi all,


Hope you are enjoying good health, some fun with friends and family. I unfortunately fell to a few cold germs that kept me away from the general population. The one holiday I do so enjoy.... didn't happen for me :( I guess there is always this year!!! 355 days to go.


So have you made any resolutions? Isn't this the time of year that so many do? They busily make up a list and then with all good intentions, make an effort to carry them out. Then only a short time later, the list is buried under an unending mess of what they call life. So this year, make a committment to one item from your list. Next write it out, and believe in it, write it on a card and tape it around - like the bathroom mirror, sun visor in the car, on the inside of the refrigerator. By making the committment to one resolution, then your focus can stay on target, you'll be successful. Give it a try!

May you and yours have a happy and healthy New Year