Have you ever had times when you are totally disconnected from the outside world but it’s not because you decide to take a technology fast?
For the past four days I felt as if I have been banned to my own little desert island. And this primitive island has banned all phone service. It all started when my cellphone battery died and it refused to be resuscitated. So off to the hospital it went wrapped in a little plastic baggie. Hoping that the manufacturer can work some magic.
In less than 8 hours after shipping my cellphone off, the techno-gremlins decide to invade my house phone. And no thanks to At&T, who have decided that they will have their gremlin fighting posse out to wage war by 8 pm this evening. Oh how I was hoping the estimated time they gave me Thursday afternoon was just an exaggeration. But it seems they are sticking to their word.
Google Voice Saves My Sanity
Now I’m the kind of girl who can get swept up in my to do(s) and before I know it most of the day has passed and I haven’t spoken to another soul. But I don’t like the idea of the gremlins deciding when I communicate.
And that’s when I remembered Google voice! I subscribed to this FREE service several months ago when I had previous cell phone trouble. According to the company, Google Voice gives you one:
-
- one phone number for all your phones
- voicemail as easy as email
- Free US long distance
- low rate international calling
Having Google voice connected to my house number gives me the ability to make long distance call from my home phone, since I discontinued my long distance service thru AT&T. However, I couldn’t use that feature of course – that phone is NOT working.
It’s the text feature that has saved my peace of mind. The text feature has kept me connected to my regular contacts by using the Google voice app on my tablet. And it sends a transcript of the texts to my email inbox. If only I had been wise enough to connect it to my cell phone – we live and learn. Have you used Google voice? What ways have you had to work around technology?
photo credit: Inti via photopin cc
I will certainly have to try it, Wanda. It sounds like an extremely good service.
It’s definitely saved me from being in no-talk land. And it’s a great alternative free long distance provider. Let me know how it works out for you LaVonne.
Sounds like a good thing to have. I’m gonna check it out. Thanks
Definitely a nice backup to have Carol.
I’ve heard of Google Voice but didn’t really understand what it did, but sounds like it could be a great tool to use! I’m glad it came in handy for you. Hoping you get your phone back soon though. We just canceled our home landline phone, so I’m hoping my cell phone keeps it together. 🙂
Hi Lisa, I’m by no means a Google Voice power user but it’s been handy so far. I’ve been tempted to cancel my landline phone especially since all the tax and fees are just as about as much as the monthly plan rate.
I noticed it has been a little too quiet on your end this weekend. I always miss you when you are off the grid, Wanda. Hopefully your cell will be “discharged” soon. Isn’t it amazing how quickly they ingrain themselves in our lives?
Pam, it’s good to know I’m missed 🙂 Yes I’m hoping that cell phone get backs to me soon. I’ve become way too attached to it.
Never heard of Google voice!
But I have been on many camping trips where nothing *techie* worked at all. And, no landline phones either. The mountain man that I married thinks it’s wonderful. I find it unsettling – for awhile – and then I sorta appreciate it. However, when we need to “work around it” we get in the car and travel, hunting down signal! HA!
Last week, during the fire that came oh-so-close to our home, I was very grateful to be able to get updates on the computer, and to be able to hear from friends and family on my cell phone.
I suppose it’s how you look at it. If it’s a tool you use, it can be a good thing. If it’s a machine that dominates you, might want to re-evaluate!
GOD BLESS!
Road trip is a good work around! I too found it a little unsettling to think I was home without any way of calling out in the event something happened. But God took care of me like He always does. I was glad to read that you were safe from the fire.
I have MagicJack on my iPad and use it for all long distance calls – because it’s free!
We’re not letting the gremlins win.
But I do hope you get your phones back soon.
I finally got the landline phone working. I used MagicJack for awhile but I didn’t seem to get good reception. Maybe because I live in a small town. Nothing beats free for long distance.
LOL love the gremlin.
Wait, you can use Google Voice with your home phone to make LD calls? I did not know that! I cut off my long distance when I was unemployed and now only use Skype or cell phone. I MUST DO THIS.
Oh yes indeed you can my friend! I typically use my cell phone too for long distance but I find Google Voice to be a great alternative. I have separate Google Voice number and from either the Google Voice app or thru my gmail account I go enter the number I want to call and then it rings my house number while also calling the party I’m trying to reach. When I get my cell phone back I’m going to connect that number to Google Voice and that way I’ll have all bases covered. If you give it try, let me know how it works out for you.
So sorry to hear this Wanda! YOU make me think I need to do just this~
I hope everyone is fixed for you soon~
There is nothing worse than having the lines of communication shut down or blocked!
Thank you for sharing your voice
😀
Urgghhh, yes I know. I’m all for quiet but I like it on my terms 🙂
sooooo many options, sometimes it makes my head spin!
glad for solutions….so glad you found your “voice” again:)
-Jennifer
So am I Jennifer. I must come my your beautiful garden soon. I’m always refreshed there.
I will have to check it out Wanda; you are always giving such wonderful tips and fun stuff! 🙂 Glad there was a way for you to connect! 🙂
Blessings; hope your week is off to a great start!
Denise
I try not to keep all the good finds to myself Denise. The week has started off pretty good. Expecting it to get better and better. May you continue to shine bright my friend.
sounds like a great service.
It’s definitely come in handy for sure Denise