Category Archives: Home

Pauline Fong-Leung Notary Public Review

M7 – 601 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2
(604) 879-7812

www.pflnotary.com

I walked in. The receptionist was on the phone, so I didn’t expect to be greeted. I sat down on one of the waiting chairs. From the entry way, you could see three female staff all hovering over their computer, none of them cared to even say hello. It’s a small office, so it’s not like they’re far and can’t see me. I can see them drinking their coffee and eating over their keyboards. After about 5 minutes, the receptionist was finished with her call. She got up from her desk, and she saw me, but walked away. Umm…unfriendly I might say?

Afterward, one of the three staff came over and finally told me to wait at the separate waiting room with a table and chairs. The process with Pauline went very smoothly and she was quite friendly. However, we ran into some issues…I wished that they had told me what documents and information I would need when I got the phone call to come in for the appointment. Perhaps I should have done my research, but it’s not everyday that you sell a condo suite – and I don’t know much about legal and regulations that comes along with it – that’s why we pay lots of money for them to do it, right?

Anyways, in the end, the problem was resolved. They were patient to have it fixed.

As I walked out I asked the receptionist if there were any stamps so I could get the parking fee compensated. She coldly shook her head ‘no’. Well, for spending thousand of dollars, it kinda sucks that they can’t even give out free parking. I should have gone and bought something at another retailer/restaurant in the building to make the parking fee free, but I was sick that day…so I only wanted to go home asap. I figured $5 parking fee (for 1 hour) wasn’t too much to ask for after selling a condo.

My dad wasn’t happy with some of the other processes, so he called in later to complain.

Goodbye Landline Phones + MSN Messenger, Hello Skype

skype_logo_onlineHow many of us still have landline phones? Those living in urban, modern cities probably only carry a cell now. If you’re not a business, then you’re likely out with school, work, eating out and socializing all day. You only come home to rest and sleep. It would be inconvenient for anyone to reach you through your home landline.

I got rid of mine 2 years ago. Strangely, it was a bit hard to let go at first. Growing up with landline phones, they seem to be more secure and cheaper for long distance calls. But that’s not the case anymore. With my unlimited minutes on my cell, I can call anyone for as long as I want. If I need to call any long distance number, I now use Skype. I used to buy those calling cards. They saved me a lot compared to being in a landline or cell plan for long distance since I didn’t call outside of the local area that much. Inconveniently, they usually lasted 6 months from the first time you activate the card. But with Skype calls, the savings are even greater and more convenient.

With Skype, you can chat, voice+video calls much like MSN messenger. If you purchase Skype credits, $14 increments as needed (active for 6 months) or opt for a monthly subscription that allows you to make unlimited calls for a flat rate. You can call most landlines and mobile phones, locally and around the globe. For the most part, the audio quality is pretty good. You can also receive and answer phone calls on Skype (you will need to get a Skype Number first but will help your caller have cheaper long distance rates). Download the Skype app on your mobile phone or tablet, and you call also make and receive calls from your device as well.

If you’ve been using MSN Messenger, you might have received an email saying that the Messenger will no longer be used after March, and all user should switch to Skype. For the longest time, I was a messenger user until I finally completely switched to Skype over an year ago. I kept both accounts, and they both had their pros and cons. But now messenger is telling us to switch to the competitor? Weird? Not at all. That’s because in October 2011, Microsoft bought Skype for 8.5 billion dollars. It’s they’re baby now.So goodbye to messenger…goodbye to landline phones in most people’s homes, and hello to Skype. No emergency calls with Skype

Trapp+HolBrook Modern Living in Historic New Westminster

trapp-holbook-logo

We were in New Westminster, and happened to notice the Trapp+Holbrook sales centre, so we dropped by to take a look.
The sales centre was bright and spacious. I was happy to see that they had the actual showrooms available. It was nicely presented, and the staff were quite friendly.

TRAP-holbook-condoRendering of the condo from their website

For a 1 bedroom, it started from $219,900 to $307,900.  The 2bed/2bed+den penthouses were half a million. However, those planning to buy their homes can think of the potential of development around the area. It is said to be the new ‘Yaletown’ of New West. Without the bridges to cross like from Surrey, this area is probably going to flourish in the upcoming years as Vancouver and Burnaby becomes increasingly unaffordable for many people.

idearabbit-trappholbrook4Bold and eye-catching sandwich board.

Their presentation folder was slick and modern. They had an interactive TV which you could choose the floor, and see the view from that suite. Very good idea.

idearabbit-trappholbrook5

idearabbit-trappholbrook3Neat idea of presenting which suites are still available.

idearabbit-trappholbrook7
Their 2 bedroom showroom. Very trendy and stylish.

idearabbit-trappholbrook2
Palettes to choose from

idearabbit-trappholbrook7

idearabbit-trappholbrook  idearabbit-trappholbrook6

I don’t know if the website hasn’t been updated, or that it really is under construction, but the website now says it closed for construction…only viewing by appointment. Call ahead!
Tel: 604.525.0223 or by email: info@thliving.com