I am Pablo

Do you copy?

Pablo — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:29:35 +0000

On the Purple Line for the first time on our “new” commute to the city. The snow is coming down pretty hard at the moment, already 2 inches with quite a bit more on the way. It seems to be coushioning the shock of the sudden changes that ocurred in the past week. Hopefully the next week or two help us settle a bit. In the mean time, maybe this is the escape I need. Also a goo excuse to test the new Wordpress app for Android.

Using Google Voice as vacation receptionist

Pablo — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:09:13 +0000

I signed up for GrandCentral about two years ago, long before the days of Google Voice. I haven’t had much use for it outside of being another number to give when I sign up for services (credit cards, what have you). Once Google bought it out and converted it to Google Voice a whole new world opened up for phone users. (If you aren’t familiar with Google Voice – Pogue sums it up best, as always!) Not only does Google Voice take messages for you, it transcribes them and sends them to you by e-mail or text message! You can also send text messages from Google Voice for free! Both of these things will become quite handy as I leave for Spain tonight.

My plan – forward all incoming calls directly to my Google Voice number.

There are a few reasons I’m doing this. First of all, I’d like to see who calls and get my messages while I’m away. Secondly, it helps me avoid the $1.99 fee for not accepting an incoming call. Yes, you read that right. If your phone is set up for international roaming, even if you don’t accept the call, you will be charged for one minute of use to send the call to your voice-mail back in the states. Keep in mind that the amount changes with the country you are in! In Ecuador it is $5.99!!

In order for this to work, I have to uncheck all phones that Google Voice forwards to (under Settings -> Phones). I then have to enable Do Not Disturb (under Settings -> General). Lastly I have to forward all incoming calls on my cell phone to my Google Voice number. Unfortunately setting vary widely per phone and provider as how that is set up. Usually its under Settings -> Call Settings -> Call Forwarding on your phone. You want to forward “all voice calls” (or “always forward”) to your Google Voice number. Don’t forget to unforward them when you get back! Now you will get all your messages via e-mail at your convenience! You can even see what calls you missed if no voice-mails were left by logging in to your Google Voice account. While you are logged in, go ahead and exchange some text messages with your friends – its free!

Vincent’s Yellow

Pablo — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:24:37 +0000

My sister Teresa has started a blog named Vincent’s Yellow. I’m extremely proud of the work she has done since I set up the wordpress blog for her a few months back – and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us during her travels! In her words…

Three years ago, like many others, I fell in love with Vincent van Gogh. I followed this love, never letting go, reading about him and visiting his paintings all I could, and I am still journeying – I hope you will join me, Reader. This path has led me to you and you to me, and both of us to beauty, to art, to life, to death and to something greater…

I have been traveling with you for quite some time sister… I will always be by your side.

Rally in the Rotunda Springfield IL

Pablo — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:19:32 +0000

Rally in the Rotunda, Springfield IL

Rally against social service budget cuts in Illinois!

Pablo — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:57:44 +0000

Its a rare occasion that I set my alarm earlier than 7am. Usually its because I have a flight to catch. Today it is for a very different reason. I’m heading down to Springfield IL to rally against budget cuts that would have a disasterous effect on social services. Already over 12 people in my organization have received their two weeks notice and other agencies across the state are suffering even more. The ripple effect that this will have in I’LL will be felt by all. It is a sad state of affairs when politicians use social services to leverage their politics! We can not let this happen!! I am joining thousands of other people today to advocate for the needs of this state! We can’t let 200,000 jobs be lost in the social service sector! While I don’t expect all to come to the state capital, each and every one of you can DO SOMETHING that will make a difference. Pick up your phone, call your state representative, make your voice be heard! http://tinyurl.com/m3mush