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Cell Phones

My cell phone is only 2 years old. The contract expires mid-August, and I’ve been having problems with my phone. It no longer takes a charge from the vehicle charger, which is not a big deal, except lately the phone only holds a charge for a short time. Recently, it’s started to shut down on its own, even while plugged into the wall charger. I had to run some errands one morning with all 3 kids and planned to go to a friend’s house for lunch. I got my phone to call TJ and tell him of my plans, only to find my phone off inside my bag. I powered it back on, made the phone call, and before I could even hang up, it powered itself off again. Ugh! This was a few weeks ago, and was the last straw!

That evening, after supper, we headed to Verizon to see what could be done. I didn’t want to replace the battery because when my contract expired in 6 weeks, I was eligible for a new phone. Of course the Verizon store was packed, so I waited in the van with the kids while they watched a movie. I told TJ to work everything out and, if I was eligible for a new phone, to come and get me when I could go in to have the data transferred from my current phone to the new one. So, that’s what happened. TJ came to the van and said I needed to go pick out my phone, have the data transferred, and pay $50 and then we’d get a rebate by mail (making the cost of the phone free). Except, because he’s a State employee, he gets lots of “perks”, which includes accessories; however, I forgot to remind him of this before he went in to talk to the employee and didn’t remember until after picking out the phone. As the employee was transferring everything, I ran out to the van to see if TJ could come back in to do the talking. He told me we’d just get the vehicle charger on eBay if I really wanted one. Because my contract didn’t end for another 6 weeks, he didn’t want to make the Verizon employee angry since he was so willing to give us another phone (upgraded, I might add) free of charge without any hassles. I conceded and went back inside the store. The employee had already finished transferring everything and handed me a bag which included the new phone, a headset, a pack of ear pieces for the headset, a vehicle charger, and a holster. Plus, when I went to pay, the total bill was $34 instead of $50. He smiled at me and said, “Have a nice day.” I was so confused but I took the bag and I left the store.

I got in the van and TJ looked at me with my puzzled expression and both of us were trying to figure out what happened. I thought perhaps he had told the employee about the accessories but was trying to surprise me. It took a minute to realize what happened, but basically the employee gave us an instant rebate instead of mail-in and charged me for the accessories, albeit at a discounted rate. I later exchanged the holster and earpiece covers for a memory card because, I must admit, I have an awesome phone. Now, I must say I don’t really get into technology. I have always had the free phones from the cellular companies, and they’ve been fine for me. Even this last phone was great- it was a camera phone, and worked fine until recently. I don’t have a desire to have all the “bells and whistles”, but since having this phone, all that’s changed! I can download and play music and videos to my phone, plus it is a camera phone and takes video recordings. I was able to capture Th on video as he was learning to ride his 2-wheeler. The other night, I relaxed in the bath tub while reading a magazine and listening to music on my phone. It was so nice! When we go on our road trip tomorrow, I am looking forward to listening to my phone with my headset instead of T.G.’s current favorites, “The Wheels on the Bus,” “ABC’s,” and “Ten Little Ducks.”

Isn’t technology wonderful?!

Comments

Anonymous said…
What kind of phone did you get? I love my phone and my husband always fusses at me for being on it too much. I upgraded to the blackberry curve about a month ago after having the older version for a few years and I LOVE it. I am secretly addicted to my phone. The email, text, camera, ringtones... It's amazing.

How awesome about the hookups too! Accessories are so expensive! Enjoy your new phone!

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