Disillusioned
How quickly we fall. Buoyed by the success of my first foray into eBay, I had high expectations for the second sale. I suppose I should be happy that my item sold for more than any other identical model in the past few months (the results of past auctions are only available for a limited time). Still, the condition of the equipment had led me to believe the ultimate selling price would be higher. What I hadn't counted on was the fact that, throughout the one week auction, four other identical models of the equipment were put on sale.
With such a choice, I guess none of the buyers felt compelled to pay a premium for my particular one. But that's not even what bothers me the most. While the buyer of my first item was communicative and active in the process of closing our deal, the buyer of the latest item is worse than reclusive. He has avoided all attempts at contact, by email or phone. His posted information was "out of date" (some might claim purposely elusive), and I only managed to track him down by doing what I do best - using the power of the internet. He was not pleased that I managed to track him down. In fact, the only email he did answer was in response to a phone message that threatened to cancel the transaction.
Will I get paid? That remains to be seen. One thing is for sure... if the payment does arrive, it will be in my bank for a good long time before I ship any goods.
Monday, April 04, 2005
I'm hooked
After the success of my first ebay experience, I was encouraged to try selling another of my retired stereo components. It went on the block yesterday, with a minimum purchase price set higher than would normally be considered prudent. I was asking nearly three times what was being asked by others for the same model.
Before the night was out, I had a bidder (and therefore, a guaranteed sale). If other auctions are any indication, I could see bidding go up by as much as 250 - 300% before the auction ends next weekend.
I guess I'm going to keep on doing this until I run out of old stuff to sell!
After the success of my first ebay experience, I was encouraged to try selling another of my retired stereo components. It went on the block yesterday, with a minimum purchase price set higher than would normally be considered prudent. I was asking nearly three times what was being asked by others for the same model.
Before the night was out, I had a bidder (and therefore, a guaranteed sale). If other auctions are any indication, I could see bidding go up by as much as 250 - 300% before the auction ends next weekend.
I guess I'm going to keep on doing this until I run out of old stuff to sell!
April Fool?
In the town of Essex, a few miles from here, one romantic gentleman chose Friday night (April Fool's Day) to propose to his girlfriend. To his delight, she said yes. Good thing too! The very next morning, the newly-engaged girlfriend was awakened at 7:00AM. When she answered the door, she was greeted by the entire wedding party! They got married on April 2nd.
What I find amazing is that this man got the idea last December of proposing to his girlfriend, then marrying her the very next day. In order to do that, he had to plan an entire wedding, invite the guests, book the church, book the honeymoon, and buy a wedding dress, all without the knowledge of his girlfriend. The last element of the plan seemed like it would be the toughest.
To pull it off, this clever gentleman had a couple of his friends "pretend" that they were going to elope. When the friends went to buy their wedding attire, the "real" couple was invited to join them to offer advice. Just as the fake bride was to try on her wedding dress, she feigned illness, and the "real" bride (who is similarly sized) offered to try on the dress to help with the fitting.
By last week, the entire town knew what was going on, and the topic was discussed in gossip groups everywhere (without naming names). Fortunately, lover-boy managed to keep his girlfriend away from the main social hangouts, and the secret was preserved.
I've got to hand it to this guy. Not only does he become one of the few men to help with the planning of his wedding, he's probably the first to do it without the knowledge of his intended.
In the town of Essex, a few miles from here, one romantic gentleman chose Friday night (April Fool's Day) to propose to his girlfriend. To his delight, she said yes. Good thing too! The very next morning, the newly-engaged girlfriend was awakened at 7:00AM. When she answered the door, she was greeted by the entire wedding party! They got married on April 2nd.
What I find amazing is that this man got the idea last December of proposing to his girlfriend, then marrying her the very next day. In order to do that, he had to plan an entire wedding, invite the guests, book the church, book the honeymoon, and buy a wedding dress, all without the knowledge of his girlfriend. The last element of the plan seemed like it would be the toughest.
To pull it off, this clever gentleman had a couple of his friends "pretend" that they were going to elope. When the friends went to buy their wedding attire, the "real" couple was invited to join them to offer advice. Just as the fake bride was to try on her wedding dress, she feigned illness, and the "real" bride (who is similarly sized) offered to try on the dress to help with the fitting.
By last week, the entire town knew what was going on, and the topic was discussed in gossip groups everywhere (without naming names). Fortunately, lover-boy managed to keep his girlfriend away from the main social hangouts, and the secret was preserved.
I've got to hand it to this guy. Not only does he become one of the few men to help with the planning of his wedding, he's probably the first to do it without the knowledge of his intended.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
not much happening
It's been a pretty non-eventful week. Work is tolerable, but no longer enjoyable. There's just too much background stress for my liking. I'm looking forward to a time where I can perhaps be my own boss. My health has been slipping a bit, as I am not taking very good care of myself. I went on the treadmill a couple of days ago. First time in over two years, so I don't want to overdo it. Still, it was a bit of a workout, and I'm looking forward to my next session.
That's all for now.
It's been a pretty non-eventful week. Work is tolerable, but no longer enjoyable. There's just too much background stress for my liking. I'm looking forward to a time where I can perhaps be my own boss. My health has been slipping a bit, as I am not taking very good care of myself. I went on the treadmill a couple of days ago. First time in over two years, so I don't want to overdo it. Still, it was a bit of a workout, and I'm looking forward to my next session.
That's all for now.
Friday, March 25, 2005
ebay transaction complete
There were a few false starts along the way... having never done an ebay sale, I goofed the initial money transaction - accidentally refusing the payment from the buyer! But everything got straightened out... I got paid, and a few minutes ago, the buyer got his stuff. Everybody's happy!
There were a few false starts along the way... having never done an ebay sale, I goofed the initial money transaction - accidentally refusing the payment from the buyer! But everything got straightened out... I got paid, and a few minutes ago, the buyer got his stuff. Everybody's happy!
Friday, March 18, 2005
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Monday, March 14, 2005
That was special
I tried selling something on ebay this week. The motivation for the sale is a story unto itself, but once I made the decision to place an ad, I did my homework. I had researched past sales of the same item and figured to get about $350US for it. Everything I had read about ebay said you should set a low starting price, and no reserved bid. Things like reserved bids tend to piss off people who would otherwise bid low, but continue to raise their bids as more interest developed.
It was a gamble. I set my initial price to half of what the average selling price should have been. I got an opening bid within a few hours. That meant I knew the sale was a done deal from the very earliest moments of the auction. During the course of the week, some serious bidders joined the fray, and by yesterday, bidding had surpassed $350US. Entering the last minutes of bidding, the high bid was over $400US. With under a minute, things seemed like they'd end at that number. All of a sudden, during the last 30 seconds, there was a great flurry of bidding; with the winning bid coming in a shade over $600US.
I think my wife has finally found a way to get me to clean out the garage!
I tried selling something on ebay this week. The motivation for the sale is a story unto itself, but once I made the decision to place an ad, I did my homework. I had researched past sales of the same item and figured to get about $350US for it. Everything I had read about ebay said you should set a low starting price, and no reserved bid. Things like reserved bids tend to piss off people who would otherwise bid low, but continue to raise their bids as more interest developed.
It was a gamble. I set my initial price to half of what the average selling price should have been. I got an opening bid within a few hours. That meant I knew the sale was a done deal from the very earliest moments of the auction. During the course of the week, some serious bidders joined the fray, and by yesterday, bidding had surpassed $350US. Entering the last minutes of bidding, the high bid was over $400US. With under a minute, things seemed like they'd end at that number. All of a sudden, during the last 30 seconds, there was a great flurry of bidding; with the winning bid coming in a shade over $600US.
I think my wife has finally found a way to get me to clean out the garage!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Bad moon risin'
I'm thinkin' the 17th might not be a good day to get out of bed. A terse email, sent to all in the company, asks that we convene in the company boardroom for a morning meeting. A special invitation was directed at the three telecommuters among us. That's it. That's all I know. Kinda gets the head spinnin'.
I work from home. It's a 4-hour commute (1 way) to the office; so if it's bad news I'll be getting, it will sure be a long way to go just to get mugged. And that's all I'll be saying on that matter.
I'm thinkin' the 17th might not be a good day to get out of bed. A terse email, sent to all in the company, asks that we convene in the company boardroom for a morning meeting. A special invitation was directed at the three telecommuters among us. That's it. That's all I know. Kinda gets the head spinnin'.
I work from home. It's a 4-hour commute (1 way) to the office; so if it's bad news I'll be getting, it will sure be a long way to go just to get mugged. And that's all I'll be saying on that matter.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
How do you please a geek
Yesterday, I had the most wonderful day. I was asked by two independent parties to provide advice on personal computer issues. Both parties accepted my recommendations and immediately put their money where my mouth was. It just seems so incredible that it would make me feel this happy!
Yesterday, I had the most wonderful day. I was asked by two independent parties to provide advice on personal computer issues. Both parties accepted my recommendations and immediately put their money where my mouth was. It just seems so incredible that it would make me feel this happy!
Friday, March 04, 2005
Happy Birthday, Mom
It was my mom's birthday today. My wife and I took her out for dinner, then back to our place for a movie. We invited my mother-in-law too. By sheer coincidence, my brother-in-law and his wife showed up at the same restaurant, so they sat at the next table over. Seeing mom in horns was a real hoot!
Anyway, it was an interesting way to spend an evening...
It was my mom's birthday today. My wife and I took her out for dinner, then back to our place for a movie. We invited my mother-in-law too. By sheer coincidence, my brother-in-law and his wife showed up at the same restaurant, so they sat at the next table over. Seeing mom in horns was a real hoot!
Anyway, it was an interesting way to spend an evening...
Friday, February 25, 2005
What's the world coming to?
I mean, when something like this happens, can the end of the world be far off?
I mean, when something like this happens, can the end of the world be far off?
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Bittersweet
The day I met the woman I would eventually marry, she was embarassed by the grandstanding of her three young children. The eldest of the girls was already 10 and quite precocious. The second daughter was 8 - cute as a button and very friendly. But on that first day, her 5-year old son was the clown and he melted my heart. The girls have long since left the nest, but our son has remained at home, save for a short stint exercising his "independence".
Tonight will be our last meal together before he, too, leaves home for what might be the last time.
Now 21, and eager to improve his lot in life, our son is heading off to Toronto to further his education in a skilled trade. To say we'll miss his acerbic wit, wry smile, and loving nature is an immense understatement. My wife has already cried many tears, as Jon, her "baby", prepares to make the journey tomorrow afternoon. I confess that I'll miss him terribly - not just because he's so helpful around the house, but because he's really a terrific human being; and I feel like our close relationship will suffer through the distance. As I try to type this entry, I'm more than a little misty-eyed.
Of course, I'm proud of his accomplishments, his desire to do better, and his commitment to the path he's chosen. I wish him the best of luck and success in his new endeavours, and hope he takes with him some fond memories of our years together.
The day I met the woman I would eventually marry, she was embarassed by the grandstanding of her three young children. The eldest of the girls was already 10 and quite precocious. The second daughter was 8 - cute as a button and very friendly. But on that first day, her 5-year old son was the clown and he melted my heart. The girls have long since left the nest, but our son has remained at home, save for a short stint exercising his "independence".
Tonight will be our last meal together before he, too, leaves home for what might be the last time.
Now 21, and eager to improve his lot in life, our son is heading off to Toronto to further his education in a skilled trade. To say we'll miss his acerbic wit, wry smile, and loving nature is an immense understatement. My wife has already cried many tears, as Jon, her "baby", prepares to make the journey tomorrow afternoon. I confess that I'll miss him terribly - not just because he's so helpful around the house, but because he's really a terrific human being; and I feel like our close relationship will suffer through the distance. As I try to type this entry, I'm more than a little misty-eyed.
Of course, I'm proud of his accomplishments, his desire to do better, and his commitment to the path he's chosen. I wish him the best of luck and success in his new endeavours, and hope he takes with him some fond memories of our years together.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Friday, February 04, 2005
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Strippers and Tigers and Accordion players, oh my!
This could only happen in Canada. Bless our souls!
This could only happen in Canada. Bless our souls!
Sunday, January 23, 2005
I'm a great uncle
My niece had a baby girl on January 13th, the sixth month anniversary of my father's death. I didn't want to say anything until she had been named, and I thought I'd be posting pictures. At the request of the baby's grandmother, no pictures will be posted; however, I think I'm allowed to share her name. She will be called Sarit Atara (Hebrew name), which is somehow related to, or derived from the "S" in "Israel", my late-father's name; and Atara, which was her late-greatgrandmother's name.
I believe she will be known as Sari Kayla in English.
Thankfully, my father had been told of the pregnancy prior to his passing, so I'm sure he's upstairs somewhere looking after the welfare of his namesake.
Correction
An email received from my sister should make clearer the significance of the names. I suppose I should have asked someone who knows Hebrew to explain it in the first place.
The baby's name Sarit is taken from the Torah. In Genesis Chapter 32 Verse 29:
(The angel says) "What is thy name? And he said, Ya'aqov. And he
said, Thy name shall be called no more Ya'aqov, but Yisra'el (Israel): for
thou hast CONTENDED (Sarita) with G-d and with men, and hast prevailed."
The name Atara is the Hebrew version of the Yiddish "Kraindel" meaning "crown"
Aaron's grandmother (his father's mother) was named "Kraindel".
My niece had a baby girl on January 13th, the sixth month anniversary of my father's death. I didn't want to say anything until she had been named, and I thought I'd be posting pictures. At the request of the baby's grandmother, no pictures will be posted; however, I think I'm allowed to share her name. She will be called Sarit Atara (Hebrew name), which is somehow related to, or derived from the "S" in "Israel", my late-father's name; and Atara, which was her late-greatgrandmother's name.
I believe she will be known as Sari Kayla in English.
Thankfully, my father had been told of the pregnancy prior to his passing, so I'm sure he's upstairs somewhere looking after the welfare of his namesake.
Correction
An email received from my sister should make clearer the significance of the names. I suppose I should have asked someone who knows Hebrew to explain it in the first place.
The baby's name Sarit is taken from the Torah. In Genesis Chapter 32 Verse 29:
(The angel says) "What is thy name? And he said, Ya'aqov. And he
said, Thy name shall be called no more Ya'aqov, but Yisra'el (Israel): for
thou hast CONTENDED (Sarita) with G-d and with men, and hast prevailed."
The name Atara is the Hebrew version of the Yiddish "Kraindel" meaning "crown"
Aaron's grandmother (his father's mother) was named "Kraindel".
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Random thoughts
So, I'm sitting at my desk, trying to log in to my office, and the Terminal Server connection is dog slow. After 35 minutes of trying to login, I've been able to do that only once, and I waited nearly 5 minutes for Outlook to open. I've logged out in frustration, and am blogging instead.
This past Christmas season, I went to the office party. Since I telecommute, it had been many months since I saw my coworkers and their spouses. One of my coworkers is called Joe, though his name is actually Joseph. His wife is Mary. And they had their son (not their firstborn, I think) on Christmas Eve.
We now return you to our regular stream of consciousness.
So, I'm sitting at my desk, trying to log in to my office, and the Terminal Server connection is dog slow. After 35 minutes of trying to login, I've been able to do that only once, and I waited nearly 5 minutes for Outlook to open. I've logged out in frustration, and am blogging instead.
This past Christmas season, I went to the office party. Since I telecommute, it had been many months since I saw my coworkers and their spouses. One of my coworkers is called Joe, though his name is actually Joseph. His wife is Mary. And they had their son (not their firstborn, I think) on Christmas Eve.
We now return you to our regular stream of consciousness.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Climb every mountain
My sister's known for some time, although she didn't let the cat out of the bag until yesterday. Her son, the one with vocal political aspirations since his pre-teen years, has received yet another promotion. I still have the first business card he was issued when his party's leader won the last election. The official government crest was quite impressive, as was the heading on the card (in deference to my sister's request, I won't divulge any more). That first position "Special Assistant" was probably very important, but to me, it sounded almost like a patronage position. The next step, "Deputy Director" was the real thing as far as I was concerned. And now, he's the "Director" of the branch. There's only one guy above him on the entire government org-chart, the premier himself! And did I mention my nephew only just turned 26?
If I sound proud and boastful, it's because I am.
correction
Though I couldn't find it when I looked, my sister has informed me there is a "Chief of Staff" between my nephew and the premier. So, I guess I'll have to be happy thinking of him as Toby Ziegler instead ofLeo McGarry C.J. Cregg.
My sister's known for some time, although she didn't let the cat out of the bag until yesterday. Her son, the one with vocal political aspirations since his pre-teen years, has received yet another promotion. I still have the first business card he was issued when his party's leader won the last election. The official government crest was quite impressive, as was the heading on the card (in deference to my sister's request, I won't divulge any more). That first position "Special Assistant" was probably very important, but to me, it sounded almost like a patronage position. The next step, "Deputy Director" was the real thing as far as I was concerned. And now, he's the "Director" of the branch. There's only one guy above him on the entire government org-chart, the premier himself! And did I mention my nephew only just turned 26?
If I sound proud and boastful, it's because I am.
correction
Though I couldn't find it when I looked, my sister has informed me there is a "Chief of Staff" between my nephew and the premier. So, I guess I'll have to be happy thinking of him as Toby Ziegler instead of