Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : I Survived a Catastropic Event Today- Thank You, Lord

Friday, April 19, 2024

I Survived a Catastropic Event Today- Thank You, Lord

Last Night with three Digit Temperatures and heat warning here in Northern California, My central air conditioning stopped giving me cool air. Thanks to my 2 electric fans, I was able to maintain the house temperature to 85F. However, I was not able to sleep, so I started calling a couple of AC repair companies with emergency services starting at 1AM to 3AM. After a couple of tries, I was able to connect to the call center of Lees Aircon Services. I was able to make an appointment for 10AM this morning. By 11:00AM I have my air condition running just in time for this afternoon projected 115F. This event cost me a fortune but Peace of Mind and a One year Maintenance Agreement membership. The technician installed a brand new compressor Saver Start Assist and a new dual Run Capacitor made in the US. The technician informed me that the old capacitor was made in China. Now I am enjoying a cool 78F inside, while it is blistering hot outside. I am very please with the prompt service from LeesAir.com

While talking to the technician, I learned the Person ( female) who answered my Help Call early this morning is located in Armenia. A couple of years ago, When I call for Help on my TV, Internet and Phone, an agent from the Call Center either from the Philippines or India handled my call for Help.

Last week when I have no Internet, TV and land line phone services, the person who answered my call was from Central America. I had no service for 24hrs and I realized how dependent I am to the Internet and Television.

I am just wondering- Are Call Centers in the Philippines still active? I appreciate to hear from my FB friends in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the event last night made me hungry for Fish & Chips and crab cakes today.

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Joys of Retirement

I have been retired from USFDA since 2002. At first, I feel I have lost my identity as an individual or have lost my contribution to society. However, within a few weeks all these feelings were gone. It started when my wife and I started baby sitting one of our grandchildren. As some economics professor states: "Your children are your capital investments, but your grandchildren are your profits. That is why you love your grandchildren more than your children". I really agree with the statement. Retirement also gives you lots of time to do things you like to do, such as your hobbies and of course travel. In my case, I turned my hobby of gardening and landscaping into a small business in the Philippines. This endeavor was planned about five years before 2002. That year my wife and I started construction of our retirement home in Boac, Marinduque , Philippines. The next year we built a beach house, followed by a Conference Hall two years later. Needless to say, planning and executing the landscaping was a challenge and very enjoyable. With the help of local labor, I not only enjoy the time gardening and landscaping, but also help improved the economic situation of the province by providing work and jobs to the local residents. With plenty of time, I have engaged into two specific activities as follows: First, I created a website for my small business. By trial and error, I created and design the website, www.chateaudumer.com I have never been a computer nerd or expert. But with plenty of time and patience, the fruits of my labor could be enjoyed if you visit the website above. The second activity, I have not done before was to utilize on-line activities, such as shopping, paying bills ( save you stamps) and playing computer games in the Internet. I really enjoyed playing duplicate bridge on line. You play with players all over the world and can chat in between games. But be careful, you are not spending too much time in the computer. It is very addictive. With a lots of time, my wife and I devoted more time on our favorite humanitarian project. For the last 15 years, we have been involved with medical mission to the province of Marinduque. For details please visit the website: www.marinduqueinternational.org As a summary, the joy one gets on retirement is very specific for an individual. Some enjoy their free time by learning new activities, getting involved with humanitarian projects or spending more time with their grandchildren. Others hate it, since they missed their former jobs and co-workers. Others with no children still enjoy retirement by traveling, turning their hobbies into business or more community involvement. Of course those that retire and hate it, is believe to die earlier than those that enjoy their retirement years. So, plan your retirement as early as you can. The happier you are on retirement, the longer you will live.