Helpful hints for your default message

Now that my job consists of calling people all day, I'd like to share the wisdom I've acquired regarding voicemail and answering machines (I spoke with 160 yesterday!). Here are a few things I've encountered lately:

1. Please don't begin your outgoing greeting with "Hello? [pause]" In that 3 seconds of dead space, I've already begun to speak. Then I just feel stupid when you tell me you're not home.
2. Call and listen to your message sometime. If the sound is so garbled you can't tell if you're listening to rap, gospel, or country, perhaps you should think about losing your favorite song so we can actually hear what you're saying. Related: we don't need to hear all three minutes of your favorite song before we can leave a message.
3. If you have a ringback tone on your cell phone, you might want to consider whether it's appropriate for potential employers who call you to hear it. Songs about getting drunk and dirty in a club are probably not going to put you in the best light.
4. Again, you may not want to have potential employers hear things like this: "If you reached this message, I either can't get to the phone, or I don't want to talk to you. Leave a message. I'll call you if I feel like it. If I don't call you back, there's a reason. Move on." Related: Adding "Have a blessed day!" at the end of the aforementioned message is kind of contradictory to your overall tone.

However, there are a few messages out there which make me smile. So thanks to the lady, whom I called again yesterday, with the following message: "If you are a bill collector, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus!" It may be ridiculous, but at least it's a nice change!

Copper's Back!

Someone called tonight after having seen one of our bajillion Lost Dog signs, so we took off for the school across the highway -- and there he was, sitting in the parking lot looking at us. It took a little food and coaxing to get the leash on him, but when we got back to the house, he went straight to his dogbed in the living room, where he is now sleeping off his grand adventure. :)

Thanks for all your prayers; we are so happy to have our sweet dog back!

so

I've been really slack about updating -- first because I was bored and depressed with nothing positive to say, and then because life suddenly took an upswing, and I was busy again!

So quickly, here's a rundown of the positives:
*I have a job! I'm working with ConnectInc. Basically, we refer people to resources to find jobs or receive assistance. It's long and tedious sometimes, but in the end it's worthwhile. By the way, if you know any people having a hard time paying for prescriptions, and they have no insurance or Medicaid, send them my way -- 888-927-3230, ext. 276. We're enrolling people in a prescription assistance program right now!
*Dad! Some of you may know that a specialist told us that he does NOT have Shy-Drager, and that it doesn't appear to be a degenerative disease. Whew! The bad news, though, is that we have absolutely no idea what it might be. The next doctor appointment will be just before Thanksgiving, so be praying for clarity.
*Copper. This is our adorable little beagle. We adopted him a few weeks ago. We think he's been abused, because he's extremely shy. But he has quickly learned to be part of the Hardy household. You should see the way he follows Mom and Dad around!




Unfortunately, today he was outside during a brief period of no rain, and Dad moved the truck to let Mom drive out of the garage. Apparently, Copper thought they were both leaving, so he took off. By the time Dad realized it, Copper was nowhere to be found. We're pretty heartsick about it. Fortunately, he has his collar and nametag on, and we hope he makes his way back once the rain stops again. Anyway, I just thought I'd post so you guys could say a little prayer for this little guy. He's truly part of the family now, so we're anxious to get him back!

Thanks for your prayers -- and for your prayers for my adjustment back to life here. Things are getting easier, and working with people who so desperately need help reminds me of just how blessed I am. So I'd like to publicly repent for my negative attitude for the past few months; a big thank you to all of you who've had to put up with me! :)