We'll See How Long This Lasts…

In the words of Popeye, “I”ve had all I can stand and I can’t stands no more!” And to paraphrase Mad Max, “Cingular – I thought you were going to be my Dog of War – You Disappoint me… Puppy…”

Most everything about my Austin experience has been Good (yes, in a Martha Stewart “Good Thing” sort of way). Notably, however, ever since we moved into the apartment here, my cell phone reception has… how shall I say?… SUCKED MAJOR DONKEY DONG. I even went so far as to buy a used cell in a Make and Model that I KNOW works here because M-n-R’s seem to do so pretty fine. And, while I do like my new cell (Sony Ericsson T-637, if you were wondering), I would rank its in-my-apartment performance just about two notches above DONKEY DONG. I mean how many conversations should a man in his own home have that go like this? – ME: “(whatever I was saying)”, THEM: “I can’t hear you. You’re breaking up. Are you on a cell phone?” And what kills me is that mere seconds later, I can be in exactly the same location, without moving an inch, and get OK reception.

So, what’s the point? Well, you now know the proud owner of a new VOIP phone setup. I bought into a year’s plan for phone service over the Internet for $199, and got three months free. That’s a pretty good deal – I get phone service for about $13/month, and can call anywhere in the U.S. for free. I have tested it and it seems to do well, so far. As with all things, though, keep in mind the title of this Blog – We’ll See How Long This Lasts. This, too may end up being a futile purchase that winds up just pissing me off. And I guess that will be alright, too, b/c I’ll post a rant about THAT, then. Who knew signal loss could be so much fun?

So, if you know me, please do call me on my crappy-signal-when-at-home cell or email me to get the HOME phone number. I guess folks should continue to try to find me using my cell number, and if I’m home I’ll say “Hey, can you call me on the other number”.

In the words of Emperor Jospeh II from Amadeus, “Well… there it is.”