A couple small victories and an observation of people

[Secret Stache]

I am far from a hardcore mustachian and have a long way to go.  I do however try to live an efficient life and work towards continuous improvement.

Recently I was given a merit award which resulted in a choice in gifts from a linked website.  Cool.  I looked at the coffee makers, doo-dads, breadmakers, ipod docks...junk...and came across something that spoke to me, something that I had not used since childhood...a mountain bike.  So I chose that and began riding several times a week.  small victory yay!

Then shortly after I was offered a promotion (yay!), that would result in me working more hours and on a different schedule than my family (boo).  I thanked the manager and politely declined.  small vicotory

And finally,  at a block party this weekend several of my neighbors inquired about the object attached to my fence.  I have an OTA antenna for TV reception installed and apparently this object was entirely foreign to them.  Many asked if they could get "free cable" with that or after a follow up question where I revealed that I in fact did not have cable or dish was snidely asked if I had "running water" in there.  Many even assumed I paid hundreds or thousands of dollars for a device such as this and/or it was illegal.   I can deal with the snide comments but there was an overwhelming majority of people who were completely unaware that you could get TV at no cost with an antenna.  In the end I made a friend who was interested in learning more about cutting cable because "every little bit counts", I can relate to that.  small victory

 *last editted for typos

[Cheddar Stacker]

Matt 3, consumerism 0. Nice work. Hard to believe people are unaware there is free TV.

[soccerluvof4]

So many people are ignorant. But if you made one good friend through it , how many do you need! Some good victories!

[James]

Nicely done Matt, small victories are huge over time.

[avonlea]

Nicely done Matt, small victories are huge over time.

+1

[hybrid]

Agreed, well done Matt, especially on the cable TV part. A lot of folks are unaware that over the air TV is significantly better than ten years ago thanks to the switch from digital to analog signals (more local channels and great HD quality). 

[lexie2000]

I figure every victory, small or large, counts!!

Great job, Matt!!

[socaso]

Did they miss all the advertising when all television went digital a few years ago? I'm having a hard time believing people old enough to own homes or pay rent are unaware that almost all television reception was once dependent on antennas. Anyway I laughed pretty hard at the story. Good for you!

[HairyUpperLip]

hahaha good job man

every little bit helps

[Nords]

A lot of folks are unaware that over the air TV is significantly better than ten years ago thanks to the switch from digital to analog signals (more local channels and great HD quality).

Not only that, but OTA TV probably offers a higher dollar value per hour than cable TV...

[spoonman]

I thanked the manager and politely declined. 

Right on!  That's certainly badass.  You did not bow to the usual pressures and took the route that's best for your family.

Many asked if they could get "free cable" with that or after a follow up question where I revealed that I in fact did not have cable or dish was snidely asked if I had "running water" in there.  Many even assumed I paid hundreds or thousands of dollars for a device such as this and/or it was illegal.   

ROFL!!!! Hahaha!  This is absolute gold!  I can see some evil person out there buying cheap antennas at Radio Shack and then selling them to clueless people for hundreds of dollars!

[NestEggChick (formerly PFgal)]

I think you should count that first one as 2 victories! (1) You avoided all the dust-catchers and (2) You started riding a bike regularly. That's really fantastic!

[lexie2000]

Thanks for the comments guys/gals, people in my neighborhood tend to outsource most everyday tasks (yard work/house cleaning/basic maintenance) and I just have to laugh it off and enjoy the fruits of my labors.  And I don't consider even myself particularly handy compared to others in my family.  Heck I'm probably not even the most handy in my own home since my wife's father is a carpenter and she picked up a lot of skills growing up lol.

There is one last anecdote that I have to share that probably belongs on the wall of shame.  A neighbor was recently inquiring about electrician services and if anyone had any recommendations as she wanted to change some recessed lighting out and needed some help as she did not have the "proper equipment".  After a couple more questions it turned out she just wanted the bulbs changed and not the entire assembly as I had assumed but could not reach the ceiling in her living because it was too high.  oh boy.

Thanks for keeping me sane Mustachians

Sounds like a nice little side gig for someone who has the proper ladder.

[Allen]

Basic cable with no monthly fee!   CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, and PBS!  We might be able to get you a couple more depending on your cable provider!  Totally legal!  One time fee of $200

That would probably work on craigslist.  Almost makes me want to put it out there just to see :)

[rocksinmyhead]

I'm having a hard time believing people old enough to own homes or pay rent are unaware that almost all television reception was once dependent on antennas.

I know, I don't understand this either!!! I'm not even old but my family didn't get satellite/cable until I was like 14, so to me the default is an antenna. (we used to have neither cable nor antenna, but my handy boyfriend did the research, bought one and put it up in our attic just in time for the Olympics... yay!!!)

Thanks for the comments guys/gals, people in my neighborhood tend to outsource most everyday tasks (yard work/house cleaning/basic maintenance) and I just have to laugh it off and enjoy the fruits of my labors.  And I don't consider even myself particularly handy compared to others in my family.  Heck I'm probably not even the most handy in my own home since my wife's father is a carpenter and she picked up a lot of skills growing up lol.

There is one last anecdote that I have to share that probably belongs on the wall of shame.  A neighbor was recently inquiring about electrician services and if anyone had any recommendations as she wanted to change some recessed lighting out and needed some help as she did not have the "proper equipment".  After a couple more questions it turned out she just wanted the bulbs changed and not the entire assembly as I had assumed but could not reach the ceiling in her living because it was too high.  oh boy.

Thanks for keeping me sane Mustachians

Sounds like a nice little side gig for someone who has the proper ladder.

genius! get on it, Matt! ;)

[GreenAcres]

Good job!  They have mountain bikes in those catalogs?  We always just have junk.  I love watching the free tv channels.  PBS has some great content.