Unexpected Soapbox

This morning started out with our lawn service guy showing up at just before 7:00 AM to do the summer treatment of the front and back yard. I have to say that I wish more companies, big and small could take notes from the guys at Vital n' Green lawn care. They are always on time or early, they do the job they showed up to do and quickly yet at the highest quality. They are 100% knowledgeable and professional and a pleasure to do business with.

Once any job they do is complete they always take the couple extra minutes to sweep up the concrete, patios and walkways as well as close gates behind them in the way out. To some this may seem like no big deal but to me it really is a big deal and I think the vast majority of companies have forgotten this bit of customer service and appreciation. Others probably never had it in the first place.

Because of this I always make sure their bill is paid immediately. I realize they get hundreds of invoices a month and don't recognize the speed at which mine is paid and honestly that is not the goal. My thought process is that if I follow-up on my end of the deal and many others do the same, it will help to inspire them to continue with their over-the-top quality of service and work.

Anyway I just had to mention this in today's entry. It's a great reminder that there are still companies out there that actually care about what they are doing, why they are doing it and who it is they are doing it for vs. being in it for the money or until something more lucrative comes along.

On Time, All The Time

Don't misunderstand, I pay all of my bills on time or early each and every month that goes by. Ever since I received my first credit card I have done so and have never, not once, missed paying a bill, not have I ever had to pay a late fee, etc. Am I tooting my own horn? Well, yes I am, because there are those out there that spend and spend and spend without thinking of the worst case scenario and if it happens it's suddenly a fault of someone other than them and no longer their responsibility that they cannot pay the bills for the things they have committed to - pen to paper.

Yup that's right, "committed to" and are obligated and responsible to pay. Sorry, (but not at all) you accepted that agreement, signed your name and whether the outcome is good or bad, high interest or not you should pay up.

Too many people are getting off 100% free after playing with toys, overspending and then realizing they are in deep shxt when the bills start coming in. I am all for chances and opportunities to make it up and leeway but being able to walk away and stick us responsible people to foot the bill and then be penalized because of your mistakes is where I draw the line.

Anyway I could go on and on about this subject so I won't. I will get off the soapbox of generalities now and move on. In the meantime, go pay your dam bills!

Pump It Up

Today I am running over to REI after work to get a nice floor pump for the bikes. I had originally planned to get an adapter for the compressor but it's nearly $135 and single use. The pump will work for many types of valves, generally Presta and Shrader but sometimes Dunlop as well. Plus they only run $45 - $130 and are multi-use for bikes but can also be used for things like blowing up balls and that sort of thing.

Anyway more on this tomorrow once I figure out what I'm going to buy tonight at REI. Should end up being a good choice no matter which direction I go and it's cool to have tools added to my toolbox arsenal. I love me some new tools, always and often!

Alright enough out of me for today. So far it has been a great day that started out with beautiful smiles from my baby girl Zoey. She is so amazing and I already love her personality that is developing. She is already looking to be such a loving and caring person and I am very proud of her if only at 3.5 months old.

Photo: Quick pic of my Avid brake pads that I have been putting off installing on my mountain bike since last weekend.