Got a new phone.

As you may recall, I had a HTC Desire (Android phone) and I really liked it. The only issue I really had was the lack of on board memory. You could not load any apps without running out of space.

I now have a Motorola Droid X2. It has 8GB of on board memory that solves the memory problem. One benefit is the reception. It is great. In speaking with Loren, I believe he summarized it best to say that Motorola has great radio's (Hey, they should)

I do miss some little things from the Desire. Like email notification icon and it is a bit large. Guess I will have to upgrade to Touchdown. (Email program)

Come on we have to have the technology.

We will soon be on our third water heater in 6 years since we built the house. In checking on these heaters that instantly heat the water and are tankless. There are issues. (I am going to leave out the details)

So we are going to replace it with a standard gas and tank heater. You would think in some 30 years there would have been an improvement. Nope.

We have been told that the hard water is causing the problem. It is also related to clogged shower heads and other issues. Again, you would think that we could have a system that treated the entire town and would keep this from happening. Nope.

Well, with a lighter wallet, I will be able to have a car with less spots this spring...

How the Riat Family is going to help the Ravens and you should too!

If you missed the end of the Ravens game on Sunday catch it HERE

First was the dropped pass then was the missed field goal. So tonight we had pass catching followed by practicing kicking field goals (The couch was the up rights)

Tomorrow we are going to have kick off return so we do not have to have this interview! We will practice getting out of the way of a kick off if we are not going to catch the ball then once we catch the ball how to hang on to the ball!

Lets face it, the Riat boys are more likely to be kickers than punt return men.

Just don't be last?

Caden and I did our first Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. We spent quite a lot of time cutting, sanding, painting and weighting.

When we were done, all I could think was don't make us last.

We finished in the middle of the pack.

Motives Matter

Many times I have seen people who have alternative motives and it is obvious to everyone. Those people with alternative motives think they are pulling one over on those around them. However many times there can be wins for all involved if everyone was just honest about their motives.

In sales lets face it. Our job is to generate revenue. It is at some level that simple. However if we are doing our jobs right we can align customer value along with generating revenue. In other words helping people get what they want or need.

Be honest when that does not align. You will have a customer for life.

Get caught trying to put one over and lose a customer for life.

More from Carsen!

He was sitting on the couch and I ask him if he was playing a certain game. His answer? Nope, I don't have that on my schedule. Maybe I will put it on my calendar tomorrow.

We were sitting at the dinner table and he tells us that one of his friends at school has a "Hot Girlfriend" This from a 5 year old. Jenifer ask him what that meant? Duh mom, she is good looking and cute!

Oh, I cannot wait till he is a teenager. This could be a challenge.

Adding value.

Recently we had to switch Vets for Jersey. Our previous Vet closed her business to do other things. We needed to find a Vet prior to Christmas to Board Jersey and we selected this new Vet due to availability. (To be honest I have heard nothing but good things for all Vets in town)

My experience was good with this Vet. They took her in, gave her the shots that she was due and she was obviously happy. When I picked her up, they had some added value! Her nails were clipped and she was given a bath.

A week later I was sent a survey of the experience.

A little while later I was sent a User Name and PW for a website on animal health.

Last, in the mail I received a newsletter/magazine called Health Pet from the same Vet.

Now that is going the extra mile.