Category: General

Trials and Tribulations

Paul2 Replies
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Trials of it all!

You are probably here because someone said something negative probably from parents, friends, and even siblings.   They’ve probably said stuff like “This won’t work!“,  “Couldn’t you find someone closer?” or they would give jealous comments about how you are going on vacations to far off countries or lands.     Each time you probably wonder why people say these things or have their doubts.

My own family even stated that once or twice already in one way or fashion.   They wouldn’t support our relationship or even make any reference as to her being my girlfriend.   So I know how hard it is to see my Girlfriend once a year, so I can only imagine others who are doing it twice or three times a year to see your girlfriend/boyfriend a year.   I’ve heard some even do it once a month but they are closer than the average Long Distance Relationship!

What Doesn’t Kill you makes you stronger!

You’ve all heard this saying and it probably makes you cringe now.   LDR’s are extremely difficult for anyone because you have to trust, and communicate even more than with a relationship that might be local.   Each time there is a fight, or some missed communication, You have to try even harder to do fix the problems.   There are a few things that I keep in the back of my mind:

  • Never be afraid to say sorry, it’s not a weakness but a strength.
  • Never be afraid to say you are right, sometimes our ego gets in the way!
  • Just because you love them doesn’t mean you will fight, so fight fair!
  • Always say you love them because you never know if you will have that chance later on!
  • Be ready to compromise because not everything is life or death.
  • Talk through your problems, in the end you will become better in the end.

In the end, it’s about your happiness and what you are wanting to do to get that happiness.   No one not even family can fully give you the happiness that you so desire and want.

Trust is Everything!

At the end of the day, trust with that GF/BF who might be hours away to days away is essential to have a LDR.  So I figured it was high time to let you explore some links that I found that might help you even more on building and maintaining trust:

These are just a few but it’s a start.   Now let’s just tell you what I think and go from there.   In my life its three basic things that make a successful LDR and they are:

  1. Trust
  2. Commitment
  3. Communication

Everything else will fall into at the given time.   Each Long Distance relationship is different and each individual is also different so you have to come up with ways to make you relationship work for you.   I hope this post has helped some.

The Beginning of my LDR!

Paul1 Reply

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Trust is KEY!

Being in a long distance relationship can be very hard.   I will say that I have been in one for over 6 months and each day is very hard.   The First thing you must learn is that you need to build the trust of the person.   Talk about yourself and be absolutely open to the idea that this might actually be a thing.   Be completely truthful to them even if it hurts to open up like that.   I learned this the first week of getting to know my girlfriend.   Let’s begin by talking about who this woman is that has my heart.

We will start discussing this in full in my next blog post!

Happen chance meeting

We initially met on OkCupid, and we started talking back and fourth on OkCupid.   We sent messages and started to see there was something special about each other.   She has kids and I had kids but that help strengthen our understanding of each other because we both knew how kids were always going to be a relationship dynamic in our current situation.

We started to get serious and she wanted to close her OkCupid account and just focus on us to see where it goes.   We went from OkCupid to Whatsapp which allows us to video call and talk to each other a little more securely.  We started video chatting about a week into talking on WhatsApp.

The first video I was so nervous and I think she was too.   After the first video chat, I knew she had my heart even just a little.

Nothing is Easy!

The problem with meeting someone on the internet is that you never really know who they are until you are willing to share pictures and video with them.

Some people have a really hard time with video chatting because they have so many insecurities and that can bring about problems in the long.   So you have to decide what you are willing to do and what you want out of the relationship.

  • Can you do a long distance relationship or is it to much for you?
  • Do you need touch them?
  • Can you survive with just texting, video chatting, and pictures from time to time?
  • Can you trust them completely?
  • How do I build trust?
  • What’s my next step in this Long Distance Relationship?

These are the questions that you first have to answer and resolve in any relationship!  If you can’t answer these questions then you might not be suited for a long Distance relationships but I know it will be worth it in the end.

My Chromecast Experience, a Tech review of it!

Paul

Suggest Retail Price 35$

Disclaimer: All Links on this post are affiliate links, I believe in this product and fully recommend it to my friends and family.   If you have a problem with these links please do not click on the links!

 

Chromecast is Amazing!

I got my Google Chromecast from RadioShack, but you can also buy the Chromecast from Best Buy, and Amazon.com (Affiliate Link).  Which is where you could possibly get it cheaper than I did.  I paid the full 35$ for mine because they had it there ready for anyone to buy. You will need a Television W/ HDMI Inputs (Affiliate Link) to be able to use this device and I must say it works really well once you have it configured.  

Some Specs for you:

  • Supports Netflix, YouTube, HBO GO, Hulu Plus, Pandora, and Google Play Movies and Music mobile apps as well as select content through Chrome browser, works with recommended modem
  • Box includes Chromecast, HDMI extender, USB power cable, and power adapter
  • Easy setup: Plug into any HDTV and connect to your home WiFi network
  • Works with Android, iOS, Chrome for Mac, and Chrome for Windows
  • Stream online video, music to your TV using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop; Available for Windows computers running Windows 7 or higher

Portability is Excellent!

I was able to move the Chromecast from one room to another and not have to worry about setting up the device again.   You can stream movies that you buy from Google Play to the Chromecast and be able to watch it on the big screen.   From even my small cell phone,  I can stream movies to the Chrome cast with ease.  I have been using my Acer 200 10.1 Tablet to stream to the Television.  You can however use any device that has the Chromecast app on it like the IOS and even Chrome.   I could even use my Chromebook to stream whatever I want to the Television.  As long as you have the Chromecast extension and have it setup properly, I see no major problems.

Setting up the Chromecast

The process of setting up the Chromecast on your devices were simple and quite pleasure.   The only hitch that I came in was the downloading of the updates to Chromecast.   That took the most time.   It took me around 10 mins because of my connection to the internet.   If you have a faster connection it could be faster or slower depending on your internet speed.   You can name your chromecast anything you want and yo really do not need an internet conenction to stream to the device.   If your like me downloading movies and then watching them when you get home, this is an excellent option for those who want to watch movies on the big screen.   For 35.00$ (29.99 Right Now) (Amazon Affiliate Link), It was a bargain for me.   You really do not need an internet connection do watch movies you purchase on Google Play store and or Music.   You just need to have the App and the Chromecast device.   I found I made the best purchase possible, for the money!   You really should try it yourself.  

4 Phones that should work with Straight Talk and the Bring your Own Plan .

Paul

Straight Talk SIM Card Activation Kit

My Options for the Straight Talk : BYOP

RCA A1 4.7” 3G Unlocked Dual SIM, Android 4.1 US Warranty  (Amazon Affiliate Link)

List Price : 299$ (Click image to find the actual price)

  • This unlocked cell phone is compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Net10, Simple Mobile, Consumer Cellular, Walmart Family Mobile, and Pure Talk USA. No contracts and data plans required;
  • HSPA 3G Smartphone running Android 4.1.1 (Jelly Bean), with 4.7-inch multi-touch LCD display; 2G Network GSM 850/900/1800/1900, 3G Network HSPA 850/1900;
  • Wi-Fi networking with Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot and tethering capabilities, GPS for navigation and location services; Dual SIM card slot, 4GB storage, Micro SD expansion to 32GB;
  • GPRS, HTML Web Browser, Built-in Apps: Google Play, YouTube, Google+, Google Search, Google Maps, Google Navigation, Voice Memo, Notes;
  • Dual camera, back-5-MP, front 2-MP; HD 720p recording; Bluetooth 3.0 stereo music; FM Radio, MP3 Player, MP4 Player;Up to 6 hours of talk time, up to 360 hours of standby time, High Speed USB 2.0, 3.5mm Audio Jack

As you can see this might work for the price that I am needing.   Currently it is under 200$ and thus it is within my price range.   On a side note, it resembles the Samsung Galaxy S3 from my understanding of it.   It is a cheaper version of it but has the screen size and everything else associated with it.   I’ve heard people say they had problems with getting it to work with Straight Talk, but I am confident that if I get this phone.   I can figure out what the APNS are for the

Google Nexus 5, Black 32GB (Unlocked) (Amazon Affiliate Link)

List Price : $649 (Click to find the actual price!)

Speed and power to spare on a stunning 5” display. Powered by Android 4.4, KitKat®. It’s a 5” phone, and so much more. Built with precision, Nexus 5 delivers an intelligently simple design and showcases a stunning full HD display. Plus it comes in black and white. All-new photo and video features help you capture moments in fresh new ways. And thanks to the latest from Android, Nexus 5 is fast, powerful and truly yours.

I asked this question on Twitter and I got this respons:

 

 

Although this is more expensive for those who might be able to buy this phone, it isn’t in my price range but  I still had to suggest it for those who might want the best possible experience with straight talk.   

Motorola Moto G – Global GSM – Unlocked – 16GB (Amazon Affiliate Link)

List Price: $199 (actual price Varies)

  • US Compatibility: All GSM Networks including AT&T and (2G) T-Mobile
  • Optimized to work with 3G (UMTS/HSPA+) networks when roaming outside the US. Only supports 2G coverage on T-Mobile.
  • 4.5 inch 720p HD TFT display
  • Quad-core 1.2GHz processor with 450MHz graphics processor
  • 5MP rear camera, plus front facing camera

It looks to be promising to say the least.   I have heard some much great reports of this phone being used on every possible network and have heard of very little bad reports.  I would also like to point out that it is a smaller display for those who are looking for the largest BYOP phone.   It however comes with many features and it is an actual Google Phone from Google.   It used to be sold by Google directly but seems the Nexus 5 is the new one they are promoting, so this one is behind in times but still has so much functionality that it might be a good Straight Talk phone.

 

HTC A9192 Inspire 4G Unlocked Phone with 8 MP Camera, Wi-Fi, and GPS—(Black)  (Amazon Affiliate Link)

List Price :$799 (click on image to see actual price)

  • This unlocked cell phone is compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. Not all carrier features may be supported.
  • Ultra-fast, 4G-enabled smartphone running Android 2.2 with 4.3-inch multi-touch Super LCD display.
  • Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (with optional Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot and tethering capabilities)
  • 8-MP camera, HD 720p camcorder, Bluetooth stereo music, microSD memory expansion, HTML web browser, corporate and personal e-mail
  • Up to 6 hours of talk time, up to 372 hours (15.5 days) of standby time, released in January, 2011
  • 8-MP camera; HD 720p camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; microSD memory expansion; HTML web browser; corporate and personal e-mail
  • GPS for navigation and location services
  • It will not work with CDMA carriers like Verizon Wireless, Alltel and Sprint.
  • Up to 6 hours of talk time, up to 372 hours (15.5 days) of standby time; released in January, 2011
  • Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (with optional Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot and tethering capabilities); GPS for navigation and location services

Early on when I first started this with Straight Talk, I used this phone which was locked to AT&T and then I unlocked it and went to Straight Talk.  Then I broke the screen and did not want to fix it.   So I put it away and went to Virgin Mobile, but I have had much success with this phone with wifi teethering and other good games on android but I am wanting to watch movies and shows on my phone more and more so this is a good option for the price which right now it is cheaper than it used to be.   I am guessing because it is an older phone that is not getting as much updates as the newer ones.   This is good for those who want to know which phone that will work with Straight Talk.   I made it happen with not much effort and was really pleased with it.

I have given you at least four phones to consider when you decide to go to the Straight Talk BYOP option but for me, I might either get the Motorola or the RCA myself and do a tutorial on how to set it up on Straight talk successfully!  

How to know if your battery is on it’s way out on cell phones!

Paul

Batteries won’t last!

I know this all to well.   With all my phones from the Lg Optimus F3 to my Kyocera Risa.  Every phone I have had, I get to know when the battery should just be replaced.   I will talk about my experiences and hopefully it will help you when it comes time to replace that battery.

Nothing I say should constitute you going out and buying a battery but it will at least help you know if you might need to.   It however is up to you when and if you get a replacement battery.

Shorter charge cycles!

This one is the first sign the battery, which has circuits that close off to prevent the battery from fully charging.  These circuits help keep the battery from exploding or leaking and causing serious damage to you or the phone.  It can show itself in several ways.   You might find that you have to charge your phone up more frequently or that it says you have a full battery one hour ago and now it is down to half or almost empty.   

Phone gets warm to touch while charging!

It isn’t uncommon that from time to time when your charging your phone the phone may get slightly warm due to the charging of the batteries but it gets warmer than usual.   This is caused by the phone trying to force charge the battery to charge a cell that looks to be almost dead and it is trying to keep it alive.

Bulges on cell battery!

It isn’t always the case but if you examine your battery of your phone.   I saw this with my HTC inspire 4g Phone, where the battery was getting a slight bulge and shorter charge and discharge cycles were happening.  

Cell Phone Apps

Although I will remind you that even getting a new battery might not be cause of your phone not keeping charge.   Some android phones use more battery life due to apps or other such widgets that are constantly be used on the phone.   These tend to help reduce the life of your battery and it will not help if you battery isn’t dead or on it’s way out.  You may find it helps for the small time but you will be back at where you left off.   Before you consider buying a new battery, consider looking into which apps you might not need and remove them.   This will greatly increase your battery life and your experiences.

Got a Story you want to tell people, just leave a comment and tell me your experiences in this subject matter!