The woes of high speed internet

Posted on | Thursday, May 8, 2008 | 10 Comments

So I am going to try to make this a one time vent just because it literally affected twigs & honey and I thought others would benefit from knowing.

A certain unnamed high speed internet provider Matt and I use thinks it's okay to limit use for some of its Residential users. You know what I say to that... "What the?!"

It all started a couple months ago as twigs & honey was gaining momentum and my time on the internet to do convos and listings increased. Randomly, the internet would appear to be on the fritz but wouldn't be completely shut off. I'd be able to get to a very few number of very plain sites... "Google" for instance, but not Etsy, PayPal, my email, my blog, or essentially anything else that was secure. This all seemed highly suspicious and after some google detective work found out that (and perhaps this is widely known and I'm just slow) this unnamed internet provider moniters high use customers and just turns off their ability to access the majority of sites during the most random times of the day. Supposedly, it's at peak hours, but regardless of when, I say that is a bunch of garbage really. If they need to limit some users during peak hours, why do they continue to sell the service?? They are overselling and this is their solution? Perhaps they should think to improve the infrastructure of the network before they oversell and then limit users to the services they pay for. Why do we pay for "unlimited" high speed internet every month when you really are NOT getting to use it for an unlimited amount of time?! It's as if the most dedicated customers, those who need it the most, are the ones most snubbed. Doesn't this seem completely unfair and misleading?? Perhaps it is all in the fine print, but they market it as unlimited access and why even set up home internet if you don't have the ability to hop on when you need to? If I don't have a guarantee - actually - if I'm essentially punished for using the service I pay for too much, why shouldn't I just quit the service and go to my local coffee shop that charges less for a cup of joe? It's like cell phones. With cell phones, they are very upfront with how many minutes you are allotted and if you have unlimited minutes. I hate how cell phone companies charge ridiculous amounts for minutes over your plan BUT at least they let you know that you only have "X" number of minutes to use AND at least you have the option in emergencies to pay extra if you need to. With this internet company... they just disconnect your service essentially. It's kind of like, "Oh, well you have had your fill of the internet for now, so we're cutting you off." Thanks.

Long story short, I get booted off the service I pay for sometimes 3, 4, 5, 6+ hours at a time and it is highway robbery. If I'm only allowed to use it for a limited amount of time, I'd like for the bill to be prorated please. Ridiculous really.

When I discussed with customer service reps, they told me, "it could be this, or this, or blah blah." When I suggested all of the above, they said, "Oh yes. We do that with high users. We limit their access." ?!
Their solution: Upgrade to Business high speed that costs double what we're paying now AND you must sign a 2-3 year contract and if you discontinue the service within the 2-3 years, you must pay 75% of the balance. Wonderful.
The thing is that I don't need faster uploads or any other whistles and bells. I just want to have what I pay for and that is "unlimited" internet. They essentially try to stronghold you into switching for a more costly service that we don't need. It's all very deceptive if you ask me.

So I apologize for the vent but I thought I'd explain a portion of my sometimes longer times for responding to customer convos. If you are experiencing a similar high speed internet problem, this is probably the reason. I think something should be done about it. But what?

Thanks for listening!!

Official twigs & honey website :: Work in progress but getting there!

Posted on | Wednesday, May 7, 2008 | 7 Comments

Just posting to announce the launch of the official twigs & honey website. It's a work in progress and will likely be overhauled over the next few months, but thought it would be a good idea to have something pretty up while my hubby works like a fiend in the background to build the more formal site. :D

Random photos :: twigs & honey

Posted on | Tuesday, May 6, 2008 | 6 Comments

Some of Monday's shipments:

Do one of these have your name on it? Well, it's on its way to you!

Later in the evening, I needed to get some supplies outside and noticed all sorts of lovely blooms in our garden. I picked just a few to put into a bud vase. Only problem was I couldn't remember where I packed them! I did happen to find this vase that was from our wedding for the bouquets. What do you think?

The vase is way too big obviously, but I think it had a nice overall effect.

There is a Dogwood flower, bluebells, clematis, azalea, and a twig.

Beanie Boutique :: a twigs & honey friend

Posted on | Monday, May 5, 2008 | No Comments

I will make an Etsian out of all of you soon! *wink*
My coworker, Misty, from a previous life (okay, okay, from last week when I was still working as a research analyst) has started her own Etsy shop! Beanie Boutique. Hooray! She and her family make very cute beanies for all... mostly for little ones but I'm sure you can ask her for a custom "grown up" version too. She's a sweet and talented lady and I am so excited she's putting some of that talent to use. Definitely check her out if you'd like to doll up your little girl's head with some cute and functional beanies. Congrats, Misty, for starting your own shop!

Beautiful twigs & honey bride and awesome wedding planner :: love and splendor

1 Comment

I was so excited when I recently heard from a twigs & honey bride's wedding planner, Angel of Love and Splendor. Angel's work is absolutely stunning. Really, the stuff that dreams are made of. The weddings she has worked on are just too beautiful. You must check out her work! Nari, one of the brides she worked with, was married a couple months ago and looked stunning in a twigs & honey hair piece I made for her. She was so sweet throughout the design process and I couldn't have been more happy to work with her! Isn't she lovely?? Thank you Angel and Nari. Also, thank you Leigh Miller Photography for sharing these lovely photos with the rest of the world!! Amazing photography!

Photo Credits: Leigh Miller Photography

Lovely twigs & honey boutonniere feature :: In This Instance blog

1 Comment

The lovely Tara of In This Instance blog has done a lovely feature on twigs & honey boutonnieres. Yay! She is like so many brides out there: working AND planning her fabulous wedding. During her day job, she "manages software implementation projects." Okay.. I think that would be enough for anyone to have to manage. Way to go Tara!! You make it seem so effortless. Visit her blog for some wonderful wedding ideas and follow her wedding planning journey!

Wonderful blog post on twigs & honey :: Delovely Designs

3 Comments

I'm a bit behind on blog posts, but I'm getting caught up... slowly. ;)
A little while ago, Charlotte of Delovely Designs did a beautiful post on twigs & honey pieces. You will have to visit her blog for some daily inspiration. She also does beautiful invitation and monogram work, among other wonderful wedding details. Check her out!

Weddingbee :: Miss Cupcake and her lovely twigs & honey post!

Posted on | Friday, May 2, 2008 | 1 Comment

I'm so lucky to work with such utterly talented ladies and brides! One twigs & honey bride also writes for Weddingbee. Her profile name is Miss Cupcake and she has wonderful posts about all sorts of wedding related goodies and thoughts. If you are a bride-to-be, she's definitely a great resource. She has a great sense of style and I'll be creating a piece for her! Thank you sweet Miss Cupcake for the support and lovely twigs & honey post!!

That hair!

Posted on | Wednesday, April 30, 2008 | 3 Comments

Just thought I would follow up with a few photos from our 9-8-07 wedding. I noticed a request for some more photos of my updo on Style Me Pretty and thought I'd go ahead and share! I loved what Mark Putnam was able to do with my locks. Also, he even gave me a breakdown of how it would slightly drop through the day, hour by hour! My hair inspiration came from a few wedding magazines (particularly from Portland Bride & Groom) and Kirsten Dunst's coif creations in the movie Marie Antoinette (only, I didn't want the towering height!). Here is a nice selection and all photo credits go to the amazing Paul Rich Studio. By the way, my hair was nearly down to my bum at the time of our wedding, but I think similar hair creations could be achieved with shorter hair!

Big Updates :: Behind the Scenes :: New House and a New Chapter

Posted on | Tuesday, April 29, 2008 | 17 Comments

I've told a handful of people I've been working with, but you guessed it! I'm leaving my job for the last couple years as a Research Analyst for Forecasting to devote all my "work" time to twigs & honey (I don't want to say "to go full time" because it was already full time!). The above picture is my celebratory departure today. Haha! In all actuality, it was definitely not an easy decision! I probably held on a bit too long, but if you know me, you'll know that I'm rarely a risk taker and this is really a HUGE move. It literally got to the point where I was no longer sleeping and really not being the wife I want to be for Matt! Additionally, I wasn't seeing family or doing anything other than work and twigs & honey. Though I'm nervous, I'm also excited! I'll still be working far more than full time to play catch up, but things should get back on track in the next month or so. I sure do miss sleep! Thank you everyone at Forecasting and DHS for being so supportive and overall, a great group of people to work with. You will be missed!


Pondering my next move.

One last goodbye.

One box fits two years of my existence at the job. Hmmm.... good or bad? ;)

A few photos from our ongoing move into our first home! Two more days to completion!!

Another inside shot.

I just discovered our place has a Dogwood tree... and it's in bloom!

Matt & Myra! <---- homeowners!

And another M & M shot.

Parting shot of Matt at the side of the house. So I'm sure our place is a bit of a wreck at the moment, but I'll do a progress update through the months. So many projects ahead! I can't wait to start gardening again!

ELIZABETH DYE Fashion show :: May 9th at 7pm

No Comments

Friday May 9th
7 pm
The English Dept.
1124 SW Alder Street
503 224 0724

So exciting!
Yes, the fabulous lady behind my wedding dress, Elizabeth Dye, is having a fashion show in a couple weeks! It is also the English Dept.'s 3 year anniversary. Congrats! Be there or be square (okay, I know that was cheesy). Expect to see some of the most delightful fashions that are a mix of femininity, structure, lightness, and essentially all other things that are good. I am particularly fond of Elizabeth's choice of shapes and fit. Comfort and functionality meets high fashion! Brides: if you don't want to suffocate and pass out on your wedding day but still want to be exceptionally beautiful and glamorous, you should visit Elizabeth. *hint hint* No corsets or bustiers required. Thank goodness for Elizabeth Dye!
p.s. RSVP as space is limited. You may see a familiar face too. ;)

Exciting feature :: Style Me Pretty

Posted on | Saturday, April 26, 2008 | 4 Comments

I was so completely thrilled to have our wedding featured in one of the most spectacular wedding blogs, Style Me Pretty. I have been a long time admirer of the fabulous blog and still find myself pouring over the great fashions and eye candy that grace each post. Abby, the talent behind the blog, was so thoughtful to do the beautiful feature and we couldn't be more grateful! Matt & I are also so excited to have our wedding photographers receive the recognition they deserve. Paul and Holly of Paul Rich Studio are two of the most talented wedding day photographers around and we are always so happy to see their success grow. Thank you Abby, Paul & Holly! Matt & I never tire of looking at our wedding photos... takes us right back to our beautiful wedding.

Back in Oregon and moving time!

Posted on | Friday, April 25, 2008 | 1 Comment

Matt & I are back from Reno! We had a wonderful time and met some great people. The food was my favorite part. Yum! Now on with our move! Yes. Just as we are getting home, it's packing time. We'll be moving over the next few days and over the weekend, which I'm not looking forward to as I hate moving. I am excited about our new home, though, but it's the getting there that is a headache. While moving, I may take longer to get back in touch with people and I do apologize ahead of time. I have been swamped with inquiries and orders AND now the move, but after we physically move everything into the house, things should return to a certain level of normalcy again and turnaround times for custom orders should start to come down gradually. Keep checking back for the latest... I have tons to post about!

Matt on the shuttle at PDX.

After the trip and on the way to our car, I told Matt that he was looking a bit out of focus. Har har! There is more punniness where this came from!

Travel update :: One missed flight and a down cell phone...

Posted on | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 | 4 Comments

We are in Reno at the moment after having missed our late flight Monday night. We did manage to get the next flight in the early morning, but that just made us a little more behind on everything. Plus! My cell phone is not getting reception... so strange.

Other than those hang ups, things are going great! I'm getting to all the convos and pieces and eating some great food in between. I'll be searching for the post office in a minute and shipping out some orders, and should be right back to work after that. Dinner last night: Lemon caper Alaskan Halibut, calamari, and French onion soup. Mmmmm!

Here are some travel photos:

At the airport and waiting for the rental car with all the essentials: make up bag, hat for the flattened hair after sleeping on it, a sleeve for my tea (from an Etsian!), and other tid bits.

The view from our room.

His and her workstations and the remnants of lunch.

Much of twigs & honey crammed into a suitcase. The rooster box contains none other than some of the most fabulous feathers. Who needs labels? I'm such a visual person! :)

twigs & honey is going mobile :: sewing on the go!

Posted on | Monday, April 21, 2008 | 1 Comment

It's that time of the month already! Matt has a business conference to attend in Reno from today through Thursday (April 24th) and I'll be joining him! Have no fear, I'll be loading up all my supplies and gear and taking twigs & honey on the road with us.... because you know that would be just terribly romantic! ;)

I'll still be humming along with the custom orders and any shipments will be coming out of Reno. I'll keep everyone posted! Just an FYI: I may take a little longer to get back to convos today as I'll be flying and getting settled. Thank you for your patience! -Myra (& Matt!).

And Stanley Makes Three :: another very sweet twigs & honey post

Posted on | Sunday, April 20, 2008 | 1 Comment

Bridget, the brains behind this refreshing wedding blog, And Stanley makes three, recently got in touch with me and was just the nicest bride-to-be! In an effort to have a budget friendly wedding, she's sharing to the world through her blog all sorts of terrific affordable wedding delights! If you're planning a wedding and have a tight budget or just want to find some great treasures, visit this charming blog! Thank you for the support!!