The rest of the story

*laughing* Okay, I was reminded by that still, small voice at dinner last night, that I didn’t quite explain something right in the last entry….

The daypack is GOD’S gift to me for my birthday! Let me explain…

The first of August last year, I started full-time at this firm. Prior to that, I was working part-time here, and part-time as a Mac service tech for a local computer retailer. Even though the non-compete clause of my employment did not extend to a period after employment, I felt it was right to not compete for one year. Moreover, when I move on like that, I tend to burn bridges. Not with my employer, but with the clients. I had open accounts that I was working on when the day of my departure came about.

And I just walked away. Those clients were left to try to reconcile their computer woes with my replacement, often to no satisfaction. I stayed in contact and on amiable terms with my former employer – giving advice on particular problems which the new tech found challenging – but never revisited any of the clients.

So, it was immediately ironic to me that shortly after this month started, one of my/their former clients called me directly. We had done an install for them just over a year ago, and their OS was getting a little buggy. Since I was most familiar with their system, they thought they’d just contact me directly (also, my former employer lost their AppleCare service licence). I told them I’d help them, and was secretly delighted that they called just when my non-compete agreement ended.

Well, around this same time period, I started seeking in earnest a hydration/day pack for my bike. I began surfing through various manufacturers web sites in my spare time, comparing models and features and the like. Last week, I had finally settled on two or 3 models from two manufacturers that I wanted to see in person. I was prepared to buy.

Meanwhile, before last week, I had gone over to do the computer service for the clients. It turns out that after spending my lunch hour at their office, I was going to need to come back for about another hour. I am not doing this as a profession right now, AND, I truly mean it when I say “I do this because I want to see people’s computers work, not for the money”. So when they asked me how much they owed me, I said “you tell me! What is this worth to you?” They said, “I don’t know… $45?” I agreed. They said just bring an invoice the next time I came back.

Fast forward… Last weekend I went looking at the day packs. I checked at the store here, and they only had one of the two manufacturers. $110 for the bag I had been looking at online. “Well, I still want to see the other brand. I’ll go shopping and let you know.” Then I went to College Town, and checked with an outfitter there. They showed me a snazzy product from a manufacturer I hadn’t seen before. This store carried their entire line, and they claimed they were a good brand – solid construction, nice designs, and pretty good value.

The one they showed me was a slightly smaller cargo capacity than I was looking for, but, I also tend to carry “the kitchen sink” wherever I go. I asked about the next model up in size. They checked, they were out of stock on that one in the store, but on Monday they would call their other stores and try to get one delivered. (they understood that I wanted to buy before this coming weekend.)

Overnight, the more I thought about it, the more I was taking a liking to the model they showed me. It had good streamlining, and some unique features (like a cooling tension net, to keep the pack off the middle of your back) and I realized I really didn’t need cargo capacity for most of my rides. I figured I should save the money I might spend here, and put it towards a new backcountry backpack (much higher capacities). I mean, in no case was I going to get my tent into one of these day packs anyway!

They called me on Monday morning: the bigger bag I was looking for was out of stock in all the area stores. They’d have to special order it, which would take over a week to arrive. I assured them that I was comfortable with the smaller model, and that I’d be in this week to pick it up.

Yesterday, I did my second hour of service for the computer client. I gave them my invoice when I walked in, and they gave me a check as I was leaving. THAT was unexpected. But you have to understand… since travelling UNEXPECTED to my sisters – twice – this summer, without having budgeted for her trips, my financial situation is still on a slight rollercoaster…or, maybe thats more of a “wave-action”. My bills are kind of ping-ponging against my slush-money until I get back on my smooth budget again.

So, even though I was decided on getting this day pack for my birthday, I had expected the whole time to be “delaying” a billpayment until my next paycheck. So, when my computer clients gave me the check yesterday, I could barely supress my giggle. The amount of the check?… the same price, with tax, as the day-pack!

Thank you, God!

I was reading “The Prayer of Jabez” last night at dinner at the chinese place next door. The chapter I read was emphasizing the fact that God wants to bless us “more than we can possibly imagine”. This blessing isn’t necessarily material – it is frequently even more important than that! But, it reiterates the verse “you don’t receive because you do not ask”!

To make tha point even more sussinct, I just finished eating a cinnamon roll from our deli. It was the last one on the tray. I got it free because I started to point out that “being the last one, it must have been the runt of the litter…” and our lunch-lady said “take it!” with a smile!

Thanks God, again!