Month: April 2010

April 29, 2010
The phone rang a couple of times today, and when I picked it up it was a silent call that soon disconnected.

I knew what it was, it was a telemarketer’s autodial, dialing my number, then dropping the line because there was no sales droid available to take up the call. I take a very dim view of this, as it wastes my time in the cause of saving them time.

So I was relatively prepared when the call finally came in.

April 29, 2010
I loved Monday’s episode of Glee, especially Sue Syvester’s wonderful version of “Vogue” (showing that actress Jane Lynch has a pretty good voice). However, I didn’t realise how accurately they had nailed it until I saw this comparison video on YouTube, which, if anything, makes…

April 26, 2010
As part of my kitchen project, I have mostly had local people quoting. However, while googling for ideas, I came across the Tesco Kitchens website. I was surprised that Tescos were doing this kind of thing, but thought I would let them quote, to see…

April 21, 2010
I’ve been with Ecotricity for a while now for my electricity supply. Currently, what they supply is 45% from renewable sources, compared to an national average of about 6%. Furthermore, all profits go back into developing further renewable sources for the future. I’ve now switched…

April 19, 2010
Now the boiler has gone from my kitchen, I am getting quotes for fitting the kitchen out anew. Initially, I was thinking of just putting up three new wall cupboards where the boiler was, but I’ll never match the existing units. I then considered changing the doors and draw-fronts so everything matches, but while the existing units are functionally ok, they were a bit old and tatty when I moved in! I’ve lived with them for 10 years, but I don’t want to spend money on the kitchen, and then be disappointed with the result.

So it is all coming out. I had my first chap in to quote today, and it all went well. None of my bright ideas were shot down, and it all seems good. However, there was one question I wasn’t prepared for – how did I want the kitchen to look?

I know what I like, but I was so intent on working out the practicalities – how many units do we need, can we utilise that wasted corner, can we bung a worktop in the (little used) larder to house my kitchen gadgets – that I hadn’t actually specified things like colour and finish. Pretty important stuff.

Anyway, since that visit, 3 hours ago, I have been googling, and have come up with a style guide for the chap to quote against (and for the other companies). Then I thought I would post it here too.

April 17, 2010
April 9, 2010
Well I made it to the Gadget Show Live, and I made it back again. There were a couple of times that my chest got bad, but not at any critical moment, so I just went and sat down until I was better. I’ve been…

April 8, 2010
April 8, 2010
April 7, 2010
Some things never fail to cheer me up.
April 6, 2010
April 3, 2010
Oh dear…