Whelp, just when I’ve blogged about cell phones and how I don’t need one…I am now devoting an entire Gratituesday post to the fact that I am very much, ever so thankful for my tracfone.
I have spent the past few hours of my life trying to connect my internet. It went out suddenly in the early evening, and I tried every trick I know to connect it again. When I picked up the phone to call my Internet provider, I realized that my phone was out too.
Many thoughts raced through my head at that point. First, that it wouldn’t be such a big deal to not put up a new post tonight…except that it’s Gratituesday and I didn’t want to leave you all hanging. Second, that I needed to somehow get ahold of someone with internet service so that I could borrow their computer and get a Gratituesday post up.
But oh yeah, I also didn’t have a vehicle. Matt’s truck is in the shop and he had the van at work.
So, no Internet, no phone, no vehicle.
I felt a few moments of panic. But only a few. Good grief, in the grand scheme of life, these things are merely silly inconveniences.
Still…it’s not a fun feeling that you have no way to get ahold of anyone. And of course dumb things went through my head like, what if someone cut my connection and they knew Matt was working late and, and… Yeah, dumb. Why does my imagination get the best of me sometimes?
Then, I remembered that I had a tracfone. With it, I was able to call our phone/Internet company and talk to hundreds and hundreds of recordings. I used up a bunch of my pre-paid minutes pressing three to hear more options. But, within a few hours, repairs should be made (according to the recording I listened to after I pushed two, or was it four?). I never did talk to a live person, but those robot ladies talking to me in monotone sure were nice.
Anyway, I also called Matt and let him know the scoop. As soon as the restaurant closed, he came and picked us up and here I am on his computer while he does paperwork in the other room. The boys are hanging out enjoying bonus time with Daddy and the fact that they get to stay up super late tonight.
I am very thankful that when I needed it, my tracfone was there for me. That’s exactly why I got it, for times of desperation…and so that I could (for a long, long time) listen to computerized voices telling me to chose a number option.
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Melonie K. says
Handy to have, that’s for sure! I don’t use my Japanese phone very much, since most of the people I would call or text are in the States. But whenever we go off base I’m glad to have it in case of an accident – I can’t assume that there will be anyone around who speaks English and can help me get the military police to come to a scene to help translate with local police.
We have a Tracfone that we use when we travel to the States. When we move back, it will probably travel with my daughter when she goes on visitation to her father’s.
Erin says
Welcome to my world. Since my husband’s hours were cut we cut it from each having our own cells, to having one cell to share between us. We also only have one car, a van as well. So I feel you on many levels there, but I do it nearly daily. Now his hours are back to 40, and I just now realized that, so we can pay for his phone again..yea, happy day!!
Lori Waugh says
This isn’t cell phone related, but the water post was good for me. I’m not partial to water and have to “make” myself drink it. I know my body needs it, though.
Danielle says
LOL… irony at its finest! Just to help you feel better… adults need cell phones… kids under 16 not so much. :-)
I realllllly don’t like the tricks our minds play on us. All day yesterday I was THINKING my pastor was disappointed that I was unable to get this one thing done. How about that wasn’t the case at all? lol
Courtney says
Whew, I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one whose imagination runs wild. Every time our phone goes out, my mind immediately jumps to, “Oh no, what if someone cut the line?!”
Glad to hear it all worked out for you :)
Martianne says
It is so good to have a way to communicate, huh? And, when we are without ways we are used to, it is challenging, but God always provides. In the past month, I have spent a week with no vehicle and two weeks (almost) with no computer. Both experiences made me very grateful for today’s “necessities”, but also made me realize how we think we need so much we really don’t.
Christine says
Laura, I’m thankful for you and your wonderful website. Thank you for the water post. Like Lori Waugh posted, I’m not partial to water either (our water tastes soooo bad), but I’m making myself make the effort. We are about to go on vaca, then we will have to install a water filter when we get home. The water gets worse every year!
And on another water-related note, I’m thankful for rain. We received 3 1/2 inches of rain last night here in Irving, Texas, and everything is so beautiful this morning… (except the mushy birdseed). I can’t wait to see how the flowers open and glisten in the sun when it appears today!
Everybody have a great week!
Miranda says
I had to giggle a little when I read this today. I’ve been telling my husband how I don’t want to renew my cell phone, as I’m very rarely out of the house. He keeps saying nope, “you never know when these clever things will come in handy.” How right he is…..just don’t tell him I said so… :)
Brandy says
So thankful my sweet little boy is finally here and we’re all home together again. God is good.
Paula L. says
I am gratitful to read a real woman blogging about real life! I am gratitful to GOD and His immense patience and kindness toward me. I am ever grateful for the husband and childern He has given me. Though,……
I did majorly stress, struggle and cry last night about the overgrown garden that is more wasted produce and weeds than used, the burgeoning kiddy dresser we usein our bedroom and the dream for a nice new one that could also double as a baby changer and the need for a bigger rocking chair that is not falling apart. I give these cares to GOD and thank HIM now that thanks to Laurs’s blog I can say these are “silly inconveniences”. Shame on me! You who read this , PLEASE< pray for me that my attitude may reflect Christ today and that HIS image would be createc in me without stubborness on MY part! Thanks, Laura.
Sincerely, Paula
angie says
we recently signed up for smart talk through WalMart it is only $45 a month with unlimited talk this is a great program for those in need of phone yet do not have the extra $$
Raise Them Up says
We recently updated our cell phones and I’ve been feeling guilty over the added expense of a phone with a media package. I think that kind of “fancy” will have to go. But , I admit, it was nice to be able to check online things on-the-go while we were on vacation.
I’m glad everything is up and going again for you. :)
Barb says
It is funny how nice cell phones can be in a moment of panic. Especially when the internet is down; for us bloggers that can be so upsetting. Glad everything is up and working! Thank you for hosting! :)
Tina says
I’m grateful God loves us enough to mold us into the person he wants us to be, even though often painful. Just as I was reading your blog (which I LOVE by the way), my son somewhat carelessly knocks his baby sister. Of course he doesn’t mean to hurt her, but I quickly say, “Be careful, you don’t want to hurt Hannah.” But before the words are fully out of my mouth, I’m moving by her and literally, but slightly kick her face with my shoe. I cannot tell you how many times that sort of thing happens to me. Like, “Be careful not to spill,” as I am making a BIG mess. I mean, the prideful attitude for me to act like I would NEVER do these things that You obviously are PURPOSEFULLY trying to do. I know these guys don’t intend to make mistakes any more than I do. I know God is shaping me everyday to become the humble mother and wife I need to be. And I guess it really shows in the things that come out of my mouth!! I’m thankful my family is patient with me as I BECOME the woman I’m supposed to be!!!!!
Jessica says
Laura,
You crack me up. And for the record, I love my little tracphone too, even if my Blackberry husband does make fun of it. ;)
By the way, how is your garden doing? Would love to see pics!
Wendy (The Local Cook) says
A lightning strike caused us to be without power on Sunday, and internet and TV until today. I found myself thankful for the quiet!
Lesley @ Moments in Mommyville says
I am such a fan of prepaid phones. No, they aren’t always the most convenient, but neither is a regular monthly bill of hundreds of dollars. I love my little ugly phone!
Danielle says
We have a good plan are ours is only $90 a month. Plus we also have a house phone. I don’t trust cell phones enough to get rid of the house phone.
Melissa says
Well I am grateful for “facebook”. Let me explain. For years I was against this site. My daughter set me up an account a little over a month ago. I was horrified. That is until I realized that this site and emails were the only ways I was going to have contact with her for two months. She is away overseas on a mission trip. We only get emails from her once a week – Sundays. So this past Sunday evening hubby and I were actually able to chat with her. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. I have often berated myself for being so dependent on all these electronic gadgets, but for once I see a true use. However, I feel that my greatest line to her is through God with my prayers for her, her team and the people she comes in contact with. Blessings to all today.
Dawnette Thomas says
Many thoughts raced through my head just reading the first part. Thanking God for peace of mind and safety for you guys. It sure is nice to have the feeling of peace from the Prince of Peace. Thank you for being transparent and honest – you let your light shine.
Betty-Jo says
lol……I never did talk to a live person, but those robot ladies talking to me in monotone sure were nice. You had me cracking up. I love your posts.
Maralena says
I am so excited about this idea! I think it could work for slightly older children too! I haven’t seen the sample yet, but I’m hoping it could bless first graders as well, because that is what I have!
I hope I can win something as sweet as this! God Bless YOu for your endurance to finish!
Anne says
Wow, this sounds like just what we’ve been looking for! THANK YOU!!! God bless.
Corinna says
What a great effort. I can understand your Gratitude in getting to this point. Well done in persisting and getting it done. I absolutely LOVE the idea of combining learning with serving and blessing others especially in these young years when it seems quite hard to fit everything in. Why not combine it all. Wonderful idea and even more congratulations for taking an idea and turning it into a reality – that’s the hard part!!