I blame Kim. She kept borrowing my stapler that I “borrowed” from Microsoft about eight years ago. It’s a cheapo plastic stapler that wore out its welcome a long time ago. So I figured if I’m going to get a stapler I should just go all out and get the Ferrari (even the right color) of staplers and get a red Swingline, collector’s edition 747 model.

I looked online and found a place called Redswinglinestapler.com that had them for about $15 so I bought two: one for home and one to make my co-workers envious. They even tossed in two Post-It note packs with the Initech logo and two “flair” buttons that say, “We’re not in Kansas anymore”.

I feel like Milton already.
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Over the past few months we’ve purchased a GE refrigerator and a Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer. Both were substantial investments for us but with our growing family we felt they were worth the money. I didn’t expect to have a problem with any of these new items but the first evening I plugged in the dryer, Kim noticed that it wouldn’t shut when any of the fancy “moisture sensing” modes were selected. I pulled out the manual to look over the warranty details and quickly located the URL where I could schedule an onsite service appointment with a Whirlpool certified repair shop. A few days later a repairman arrived and quickly assessed the problem. He ordered the part and returned a week later to complete the repair.

This past week I noticed our ice maker was continually making a louder than normal humming sound. Again, I pulled out the manual in search of a phone number. Although the manual listed a 24/7 number I decided to use the URL to schedule service online. With both GE and Whirlpool, they asked for my model and serial numbers along with the date of purchase and installation. It took less than 5 minutes at each site to enter this information and schedule an appointment.

I compare these two good experiences with the nightmarish runaround I had trying to get my first DVD player (Panasonic) repaired. I recall waiting on hold for a long time only to be told that I’d have to take my DVD player to a Panasonic repair shop located so far out of the way that I ended up taking time off work to get the thing fixed. I finally gave up and put it up for sale and have definitely soured on the Panasonic brand.

I don’t like when things break. But if the company makes it easy to get the item fixed I’m much more understanding. Providing a toll free 24/7 number to reach a human is a huge start. Being able to schedule service online is even better.

Here are my results. There are many sites out there that will test your internet connection speeds but this is the coolest ones I’ve come across. I’m using Qwest DSL.

I’ve been told that I’m an organized person. I’ve also been told that I can be stressful to be around when things aren’t organized. I get anxious when my desk at home or work starts to get a bit disorganized. Having three kids in the house has sometimes meant that the house isn’t at nice and tidy as when it was just Kim and me. But I’m slowly realizing that sometimes the messes are a result of something artistic or creative the kids have organized or built.

At one time of another I’ve probably mumbled as I folded what seemed like a dozen blankets. I’m sure I’ve questioned why all the pillows had been taken off the couch and strategically placed on the living room floor. Or the times when I find 200 Tinker Toys spread around the house.

So I’ve tried to slow down and enjoy whatever it is the kids are building. If I slow down and listen they usually have a good reason for needing to pull out every puzzle they can find and mixing them together. I’ve learned it takes a lot of blankets to build a “blanket fort” just like it takes a lot of cushions to play “musical cushions”. I had no idea why anyone would need all 200 Tinker Toys until our oldest explained that she needed all of them to build “a very big” fishing pole. I mean, when you’re going fishing to that pond behind the couch, it makes perfect sense that you’d need a long fishing pole. How come I didn’t see that before?

I still get stressed at times. But I’m beginning to see that messes usually reflect the kids minds and bodies are at work. And that’s a good thing. I should probably worry more if the house is always in pristine condition because that’s probably a sign that the kids didn’t use their minds and spent their time watching cartoons. Tonight, as my five year old daughter, presented me with a cool piece of artwork that she created on her own, she asked me, “Dad, are you going hang it up at work?”

Yep, I’m going hang it up. My cubicle needs less organization and more kid created art.

I’ve been thinking of upgrading our TV to an HD model. But we are huge fans of Tivo going back to the Series one boxes. We now have a DirecTivo with dual tuners and can’t imagine moving to one of the abominable Comcast DVRs that try to copy the Tivo yet screw up all the fine details. Maybe next Christmas we’ll look at getting the Tivo Series 3 that can record two HD programs, but it needs to come down in price. Fat chance?

I got a laugh reading John Battelle’s experience with the craptastic Comcast DVR. Some of the comments are hilarious as well. This DVR may go down as one of the worst consumer electronic devices to ever see the light of day.

Without a doubt, it has to be Diet Cherry Coke. There’s just no getting around it. All the flavor of a regular Coke minus the sugar and perfect blend of cherry flavor. It really is a tiny piece of heaven. Don’t try to tell me otherwise.

Kobe cheers from the sideline. The Lakers distribute the ball to the tune of five players averaging 10 points or more over the first two games. Two wins, no losses. No Ball Hog. Imagine Odem playing with a point guard who passes the ball instead of hoisting up frozen rope threes from the parking lot. No doubt, Kobe is a very talented player. But he can’t be very fun to have on your team.

Most years Halloween was a time to gorge myself on Butterfingers, Snickers, Tootsie Rolls, Licorice, and Candy Corn. But this year has been different. Having weened myself off sugar about 3 months ago, I’ve decided I’ll leave the candy to the kids (in moderation) and take the rest to work. I’m sure for the next couple of weeks, a bag or bowl of candy will be brought into work to share with everyone. I don’t really have candy cravings very much these days although those “snack size” Reeses Peanut Butter Cups looked really good today.

This must be a tough time to start a diet with all the junk around the office and it only seems to get worse around Christmas. Pretty soon a number of our clients will be sending us gift baskets loaded with cookies and brownies and all sorts of sugar-loaded confections. I’m glad I started a few months ago or I don’t know if I’d have the will-power to pass on all the goodies.

Tired of moving from city to city after nine years in the NBA, Keith Van Horn decides to sit out this season and spend his time his family. How crazy, how unexpected, how cool is that? Here’s a guy who clearly puts family first. That he’s a former University of Utah alum makes it even better.

This is going to sound really vain. But if I’m shopping for an item of clothing other than socks, I like to see how it looks on me before I buy. I walked through Marshall’s tonight looking at light-weight jackets. I found a nice wool one and tried it on while I went searching for a mirror. I spent a good 5 minutes trying to locate a mirror. I eventually wandered over near the shoe department and found a small, too close to the ground one that was probably meant for shoes, not jackets.

I guess this is just part of the bargain shopping experience.