tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19795711742257315352024-03-13T03:24:18.661-04:00Home on the WebDay to day thoughts of a techie, shopping & sales- addict, chef-wannabe couple.popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.comBlogger918125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-54870769342195846612024-01-07T20:45:00.001-05:002024-01-09T20:50:45.375-05:00Winter Storm Ember<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvSo-BG5n-eWXmvb-FytraX6FGoLMG-3ONajahrr7qCX7LTA9456WMB8ryUlFdTsS6waU5n159oVwhhtxjGztFMYtH84eXgdB1d-gXvpskpzEAXAuc46Tvaqqpa0F4x5KarbD8i589CkC6rE5VA79Nx5dUucLjIY5ShIEUrldhgEObFwFDykxl8SFjHs/s4032/IMG_9531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvSo-BG5n-eWXmvb-FytraX6FGoLMG-3ONajahrr7qCX7LTA9456WMB8ryUlFdTsS6waU5n159oVwhhtxjGztFMYtH84eXgdB1d-gXvpskpzEAXAuc46Tvaqqpa0F4x5KarbD8i589CkC6rE5VA79Nx5dUucLjIY5ShIEUrldhgEObFwFDykxl8SFjHs/s320/IMG_9531.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>This photo was the only photo I took of the aftermath of Winter Storm Ember. Found the footprints interesting, could they be rabbit prints ?<p></p><p>We have not had much snowfall in the recent years so I was so looking forward to this storm. Half of me was excited for the snow and the other half of me was anxious about the cleanup. </p><p>As it turns out, we got around 2 inches of mixed rain/slush/snow and since it was wet slush, we skipped the snow blower and shoveled everything by hand. We got up (relatively) early on Sunday morning so that we can clean up our driveway & sidewalks before we leave for Swe-cha's swimming lessons. </p><p><br /></p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-75258436679723947262024-01-01T19:19:00.001-05:002024-01-02T09:41:44.688-05:002023 - a year in review<p>2023 was a literal roller coaster.</p><p><br /></p><p>Work: Started the year with a new manager at work which made me look forward to positive changes. Things were still toxic at first but slowly improved. By July, I was no longer the single person on call 24/7. Got promoted twice within several months. I am happy now. </p><p><br /></p><p>Family: Got to have a full vacation in California with my entire side of the family in June and also enjoyed Ahya & Family's visit to NJ in August. </p><p><br /></p><p>Health: Was normal most of the year but did visit the urgent care a lot towards the last quarter. Went for the first time in September for respiratory issues, followed by shoulder tendinitis in November (also follow ups with the orthopedic doctor). </p><p>Swe-cha took his turn for the flu days 12/22, followed by me on 12/28 and lastly, the husband on 12/31. I am not sad to see the end of 2023 at all.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here's to hoping and praying that 2024 will be a fruitful and healthy year!</p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-34742345294779050912023-11-29T12:59:00.006-05:002023-11-29T17:32:38.109-05:00Area rugs<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR32bT0NLJqblxySeLwDfaMzXDPXP8ODf8xP-LSNdQachD-MOCxElCTaaR93LL-6LHRxLe2nu9dFtvrhYDfMUKRN-msuDSK_Vei2EPTHkB_AtQIYoxFu3-1z5y_0o_jP8qzFhMol425V4VDm3Gf7-CwNoQbbKn_1i7DpZ57aAXEEmw_O72a3kYUy71-4/s4032/IMG_9407.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR32bT0NLJqblxySeLwDfaMzXDPXP8ODf8xP-LSNdQachD-MOCxElCTaaR93LL-6LHRxLe2nu9dFtvrhYDfMUKRN-msuDSK_Vei2EPTHkB_AtQIYoxFu3-1z5y_0o_jP8qzFhMol425V4VDm3Gf7-CwNoQbbKn_1i7DpZ57aAXEEmw_O72a3kYUy71-4/w150-h200/IMG_9407.jpg" width="150" /></a>The husband has been picking on our area rug in the dining room for weeks now and keeps talking about wanting to replace it. I wasn't opposed but didn't really feel that it was an urgent need so I didn't really pay attention and just left it to him to handle (and if you know us, this really means that nothing gets done because the husband just talks but doesn't really action on anything).</p><p>It wasn't until I sat down on the couch recently that I realized how shabby our living room rug had gotten. The edging on the back perimeter had been falling off but I figured I could glue that back on but I had not noticed until recently that there were areas that were already threadbare (i.e. the material had worn down). With this realization, I took another look at our dining area and agreed that yes, husband does have a point. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6M4A9fUCQ3YO-ML67zaU_JIQ8EATuKcBIG0TeVUHW84JTwxM2BudUS1BBgoj7aKcRCfAn-AkQUmptjlxF3_3BMVvEUxVYhxC6mfjlwBpz4NT5zvxXMvGHwJC5-5LZwe4O98l-Bpi30Y3z51iu0Q5v1_We_-RGt2xiiCKEc6887wR3I-XIITd5cUo93V4/s4032/IMG_9409.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6M4A9fUCQ3YO-ML67zaU_JIQ8EATuKcBIG0TeVUHW84JTwxM2BudUS1BBgoj7aKcRCfAn-AkQUmptjlxF3_3BMVvEUxVYhxC6mfjlwBpz4NT5zvxXMvGHwJC5-5LZwe4O98l-Bpi30Y3z51iu0Q5v1_We_-RGt2xiiCKEc6887wR3I-XIITd5cUo93V4/w200-h150/IMG_9409.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Got a few rugs off of Amazon, these are made of synthetic materials that are non-shedding (for context, the previous living room rug shed A LOT). Not spectacular but not bad at the price-point and will be happy if they last us a few years. <div><br /></div><div>In retrospect, replacing these rugs is a no-brainer. The old rug in the dining area was from 2014/2015 and the rug in the living area was from 2018. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Living room rug: 9x12 (next time, a 10x10 would probably be a better fit)</div><div>Dining room rug: 8x10</div>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-65476672292422683722023-11-09T19:07:00.000-05:002023-11-29T13:17:02.506-05:00Ikea trip<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmvX_pL8J-pg1q0XymRFNkCVM2OB-nuNrog5YGWghgk0HWuF8sFiR_NPYn_XGuKvgzaUByaT3LKjIt_XnD9nXZE_61bVgW5ZzN0r6LUeLDjCbS-qoBc4EH-FOGzv4MDFmVJLYUGgY-8KpGaf0on8sK4gtWaVVSPhEO1bGK5OIlsGVs9VsCSTmtDNpa44/s4032/IMG_9336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmvX_pL8J-pg1q0XymRFNkCVM2OB-nuNrog5YGWghgk0HWuF8sFiR_NPYn_XGuKvgzaUByaT3LKjIt_XnD9nXZE_61bVgW5ZzN0r6LUeLDjCbS-qoBc4EH-FOGzv4MDFmVJLYUGgY-8KpGaf0on8sK4gtWaVVSPhEO1bGK5OIlsGVs9VsCSTmtDNpa44/w150-h200/IMG_9336.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Swe-cha had no classes today so we all decided to take a day off from work and go to Ikea for meatballs. We haven't been there in years. Husband and I had a plate of meatballs each, Swe-cha had chicken tenders and we shared a slice of chocolate cake.</div><p></p><p>The meatball entrees are served with peas now and not mixed veggies like last time. But the meatballs are still as good as I remembered.</p><p>Decided to walk around the showroom afterwards and boy, Swe-cha got so excited when he saw the beds. </p><p>Every time he saw a bed that he liked, would plop down on it, "Mom, Dad, can I have this bed ?" He also got excited with the bedroom displays - "Mom, Dad, can I have a TV in my room ? Can I have this bed ?"</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCaz-jPTl-vwKq_1kFNYV-AajX8ZXHfgAfLUCONqZujf_bj3GhbiP7NCF8JFzwQF6mckQBs47lCT4d9ZCpMyUssU8LAjBvI9i95zUntNikKK8Ixn1dmMdc9TNV6eIdTEGAPPdTAtwqkX-Jfr4OvPPprEjs9kqmNeN3sDtP14u8mF8gfFxUkQeb_lCoYI/s4032/IMG_9351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCaz-jPTl-vwKq_1kFNYV-AajX8ZXHfgAfLUCONqZujf_bj3GhbiP7NCF8JFzwQF6mckQBs47lCT4d9ZCpMyUssU8LAjBvI9i95zUntNikKK8Ixn1dmMdc9TNV6eIdTEGAPPdTAtwqkX-Jfr4OvPPprEjs9kqmNeN3sDtP14u8mF8gfFxUkQeb_lCoYI/w150-h200/IMG_9351.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Sobrang excited.<p></p><p>And no, we didn't buy a bed yet but we did come home with an office chair. We told Swe-cha that we'd have to make plans to move things around before he can get a new (and bigger) bed. </p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-37260146451703058542023-07-31T11:04:00.001-04:002023-07-31T11:04:24.530-04:00Dinnerware<p>Been giving away a lot of things to our local community and one "ISO" post caught my attention. It was a post soliciting everything - cookware, dinnerware, furniture (beds, etc) - for a family who "literally has nothing at the moment". </p><p>So I figure, we have a dinnerware set for 6 (dinner plates, saucers, soup bowls, coffee cups) that we've had stored in the basement for years. We haven't used them in a long time, husband wanted to keep it "just in case" and when I saw the post for a family who "literally has nothing", I convinced husband to just give it away. He agreed.</p><p>I reach out to the author of the post to ask if they are still looking for dinnerware and the response I got was "can you send photos ?" </p><p>Hahanapin ko ba sa boxes, mag-u unpack pa ako. If they want photos, then they must not need it so much. Hindi na bale.</p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-16573972760309081692023-03-29T16:59:00.002-04:002023-03-29T16:59:56.464-04:00Swe Cha's Motivational Phrases<p> 3/7/2023 from class advisor, Mr S.</p><p>"Progress, not perfection."</p><p><br /></p><p>3/23/2023 at home:</p><p>"We don't have to agree all the time. Let's agree to disagree, let us be kind to one another."</p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-13838030653990551232022-08-08T15:28:00.000-04:002022-08-08T15:28:00.443-04:00Year of the Tiger 2022<p>I haven't been doing this lately but I am reminded to check it out whenever I encounter adversity.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw6Tc18KDlenB7N2c1nBWuO_cQljtNAFp9gIrf4ZAN_DWHwortWEnBf_UuQ6BegMByhheglrHNhZHmWJpFEogiLLbOT2MDuOL5UjXuls2iYOpnKkxA0rYyr0Tw0wt1zvhvKslE6dSSqeHIrmRVfEb_iG51iFkQlEitkseOuINJAwO0zAnZTsS8N_8T" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="722" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw6Tc18KDlenB7N2c1nBWuO_cQljtNAFp9gIrf4ZAN_DWHwortWEnBf_UuQ6BegMByhheglrHNhZHmWJpFEogiLLbOT2MDuOL5UjXuls2iYOpnKkxA0rYyr0Tw0wt1zvhvKslE6dSSqeHIrmRVfEb_iG51iFkQlEitkseOuINJAwO0zAnZTsS8N_8T=w320-h117" width="320" /></a></div>Since March of this year. Our team has had 3 resignations. N left in March, M left last week and in 2 weeks, G will be leaving. <div><br /></div><div>The good news is that they've all left to pursue better opportunities. The not-so-good news is that I'm now the most senior "expert". </div><div><br /></div><div>Poor J, my manager, in 2 weeks, I'm going to be his best SME and that's really not much. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicBfGWIFYS98uoCgzv9oey3yBspTrZ-DkrADqQre-uPVhmdkFp2FG0HAeiVPFfMFGBWTtVj_sYTRQVlsuREROuuu2LfwflAcEZyzZ4ox0BIYm-UW38HDP1HvgiCOSprskxoID_hCxagOi3YDEOnO67WgdCGxsKgpP2_RvbEQ-8mXq8ro-WGY_ix6gH" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="727" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicBfGWIFYS98uoCgzv9oey3yBspTrZ-DkrADqQre-uPVhmdkFp2FG0HAeiVPFfMFGBWTtVj_sYTRQVlsuREROuuu2LfwflAcEZyzZ4ox0BIYm-UW38HDP1HvgiCOSprskxoID_hCxagOi3YDEOnO67WgdCGxsKgpP2_RvbEQ-8mXq8ro-WGY_ix6gH" width="320" /></a></div>Somehow, pulling out my horoscope and seeing it written as such makes me feel a little bit better. </div><div><br /></div><div>It talks about opportunities and such, I know there seems to be plenty for all my friends,... I just hope that there's some for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Wish me luck. <br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><p></p></div>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-30703980682632674412022-06-27T11:29:00.003-04:002022-06-27T11:29:24.986-04:00PSEG Gas Line Upgrade Update<p>March 23, 2022</p><p>PSEG came and started working on upgrading our gas line to a high pressure line. </p><p>They dug up part of the curb and some pavers in our front that led to the garage where the main gas line leads into our home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzU5Eqx48XBhU3XBP2v3S_Pi7W5BuCeo4uHeNKGcBMPw621NOeFx4K-vk0XuV3Ok7igXE_xPQ2uHM2BTeHsEZcbsdj8STEdGNb07Jl82mL3jB4Pz5wvFxFrnzjfLGWcYuVO3wpdm0XhCNJHgHWLCi-3Zensqm7aci0ede4eDhqcGdWgCzGEB_a3JD/s4032/IMG-6578.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzU5Eqx48XBhU3XBP2v3S_Pi7W5BuCeo4uHeNKGcBMPw621NOeFx4K-vk0XuV3Ok7igXE_xPQ2uHM2BTeHsEZcbsdj8STEdGNb07Jl82mL3jB4Pz5wvFxFrnzjfLGWcYuVO3wpdm0XhCNJHgHWLCi-3Zensqm7aci0ede4eDhqcGdWgCzGEB_a3JD/w150-h200/IMG-6578.jpg" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzU5Eqx48XBhU3XBP2v3S_Pi7W5BuCeo4uHeNKGcBMPw621NOeFx4K-vk0XuV3Ok7igXE_xPQ2uHM2BTeHsEZcbsdj8STEdGNb07Jl82mL3jB4Pz5wvFxFrnzjfLGWcYuVO3wpdm0XhCNJHgHWLCi-3Zensqm7aci0ede4eDhqcGdWgCzGEB_a3JD/s4032/IMG-6578.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivj8g9v5IB0zYUaBFypQAwPBuJ50kM6EmcuokJlQiQekvshnJybwhz1qbRwMHDFvW9WJNc8dTRgQ42C2bL5bNn_-dMU9K0w2y1r3AB7dA7yYp2plPV1MtGhn2DIZDSon-z_n6tri5hO89Jo5OzxJDc-FNPEJRnO_BfcVqy2jcDsYW37SsyggSWM9VS/s4032/IMG-6575.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivj8g9v5IB0zYUaBFypQAwPBuJ50kM6EmcuokJlQiQekvshnJybwhz1qbRwMHDFvW9WJNc8dTRgQ42C2bL5bNn_-dMU9K0w2y1r3AB7dA7yYp2plPV1MtGhn2DIZDSon-z_n6tri5hO89Jo5OzxJDc-FNPEJRnO_BfcVqy2jcDsYW37SsyggSWM9VS/w150-h200/IMG-6575.jpg" width="150" /></a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvCk9p88qLpR92FQueDU1RvrhInBa0_Y2xTSRQjPf09ZaLJIdbE6yKNM2P5LZ69XOiOctAB_NOcuoamY7BhAWNg1L_gevPlsxI6aX3PKi830Wh7GxQrgFWWzEm3gUJbbHB6OoqWeupROpSo8n6dMY6al3PvIXEOBle8MJyWiG2wZlgJcyK6IlX9cY/s4032/IMG-6582.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvCk9p88qLpR92FQueDU1RvrhInBa0_Y2xTSRQjPf09ZaLJIdbE6yKNM2P5LZ69XOiOctAB_NOcuoamY7BhAWNg1L_gevPlsxI6aX3PKi830Wh7GxQrgFWWzEm3gUJbbHB6OoqWeupROpSo8n6dMY6al3PvIXEOBle8MJyWiG2wZlgJcyK6IlX9cY/w150-h200/IMG-6582.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>They were done with the upgrade less than a day and left our front looking like this. <br /><br />We were told that a contractor was going to come by afterwards to re-set the pavers. So we waited. <br /><br /> ... and waited.<br /><br /> ... and waited some more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meanwhile, we've had a few (strong) rainy days since then and we've been getting puddles in our basement. Thankfully, the puddles have formed in the area where we have our heavy-duty steel shelving units set up so we had nothing on the floor. We just had to do a lot of wiping and cleaning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Husband and I have talking about calling PSEG to follow up on repairing our pavers but between work and other things, we couldn't find the right timing to call. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week, someone from PSEG came by and took a photo of that dug-up area. Husband goes to talk to the PSEG crew and was told that their original contractor had reported that "pavers were not available" as a reason so they came over to check. Obviously, the pavers are all there and have been there since they dug them out in March. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89B2eAfP7L-d0xraRCVMNkGCpy0T74wkZARmjNKHKuaadNWueEI1J9zBiOT4-BFk3_2Be9tkLqw7WDct62rAWGlAbX3veoz8sS68oE_lc2dnOa85XK7R1mfQj4ZaKd2j4ONp4YXy9HTzrcc4Z2hpPB1n6fC-EqtULshRnJRn2hl-GFHxVgHyfSBXB/s4032/IMG-6831.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89B2eAfP7L-d0xraRCVMNkGCpy0T74wkZARmjNKHKuaadNWueEI1J9zBiOT4-BFk3_2Be9tkLqw7WDct62rAWGlAbX3veoz8sS68oE_lc2dnOa85XK7R1mfQj4ZaKd2j4ONp4YXy9HTzrcc4Z2hpPB1n6fC-EqtULshRnJRn2hl-GFHxVgHyfSBXB/w150-h200/IMG-6831.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />PSEG says that they have replaced their contractor since they found many anomalies and today, a different contractor came and made repairs. <br /><br />Hopefully, no more puddles in the basement.<br /><br />Gotta hand it to PSEG. I'm pleasantly surprised that they did keep track of this and came to follow up even if we had not made any complaints yet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<br /><p></p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-25169522741338011362022-05-11T14:05:00.003-04:002022-05-11T14:14:09.581-04:00Toilet Fill Valve<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYki_I5lsfb01ROv1d9izAu1h-DPw1wok_VGJpZkmnAPWJBhZ3eiAM08eY4z8Xziz7o9ica8Pp-poRwl84-WjGSEUHhLqT_QdixRgI1j0MM-Ad67aJ-InVKgJJ2i6rcF0rFyFc0zffQtI64YgJIHQGiIsxrQU89Kh9G79uKX0fHvNEwKPssBy6Hirh/s4032/IMG-6711.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYki_I5lsfb01ROv1d9izAu1h-DPw1wok_VGJpZkmnAPWJBhZ3eiAM08eY4z8Xziz7o9ica8Pp-poRwl84-WjGSEUHhLqT_QdixRgI1j0MM-Ad67aJ-InVKgJJ2i6rcF0rFyFc0zffQtI64YgJIHQGiIsxrQU89Kh9G79uKX0fHvNEwKPssBy6Hirh/s320/IMG-6711.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Bathroom #2's toilet has been continuously running for weeks. <p></p><p>It started off with a slight trickle that you can barely hear if you're nearby and by week 2, it had worsened to a stronger and continuous streaming that I could hear all day from my home office which was a room away.</p><p>I did score a good deal for Kohler Genuine Part Gp1138930 off of Amazon for $15 and got the husband to replace it last Friday.</p><p>Thankfully, it wasn't a big job, he was done in around 10 minutes. </p><p><br /></p><p>P.S. I was honestly amazed at how fast the husband completed this job. I consider myself handy around the house (relatively) but anything related to toilets make me nervous because of that <a href="https://popcornsthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/04/powder-room-completed.html">unfortunate incident</a> when I accidentally cracked one while trying to update the lever. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDjiEpHoIQzDPCOcH9IZdaHwf3dafN9PvRKZzWGiDUucqtc_kjHFXwUrCNczDYdY8IydaPNxRhuOKp3tF6iLj6DTzhjRh64ayxraFheviA5KlygPgv7xR39OtkAlJvHopDiLC7XN206CtxQ2IGqyQVZ5r0tuZ7xxnJFdVecf9DfjLFrACgF8x0gmi/s4032/IMG-6714.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDjiEpHoIQzDPCOcH9IZdaHwf3dafN9PvRKZzWGiDUucqtc_kjHFXwUrCNczDYdY8IydaPNxRhuOKp3tF6iLj6DTzhjRh64ayxraFheviA5KlygPgv7xR39OtkAlJvHopDiLC7XN206CtxQ2IGqyQVZ5r0tuZ7xxnJFdVecf9DfjLFrACgF8x0gmi/s320/IMG-6714.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I still avoid any toilet-related repairs even though it has been 13 years since then. <br /> <p></p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-58640522160597737122022-01-21T11:47:00.006-05:002022-01-21T11:51:22.450-05:00Takeout containers<div class="separator"></div><div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRyshu1tP3iSbJ_5ZiB4UmsmO9pic0yJfwkC--CQuNQisAkEs0sSe9To70-0u4ILi3beSRkoGp9zhMz3UqMVm6CqtPlTvV6Z0qaN68FGpQ5nyDUmoXSsUpd3jPkhe9JWFzT5DLmO_xpY1-GDAEgsZ1eLTI2_IVeGUD-2MsuIvQufzOv6QHGYquPGcv=s398" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="254" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRyshu1tP3iSbJ_5ZiB4UmsmO9pic0yJfwkC--CQuNQisAkEs0sSe9To70-0u4ILi3beSRkoGp9zhMz3UqMVm6CqtPlTvV6Z0qaN68FGpQ5nyDUmoXSsUpd3jPkhe9JWFzT5DLmO_xpY1-GDAEgsZ1eLTI2_IVeGUD-2MsuIvQufzOv6QHGYquPGcv=s320" width="204" /></a></div>We've been saving takeout containers all these years because I couldn't bear to just throw these (reusable) ones away just after using them once. </div><div><p>Unfortunately, there hasn't really been much demand for them. I do bring them when we have group parties or gatherings so that people can use them to bring home leftovers instead of using foil and baggies to wrap food but we haven't attended parties in a long time - not since the pandemic started in 2020 anyway.</p><p>A few years ago, someone reached out in a community page about containers because she was prepping Thanksgiving meals to give out to the homeless. I must have donated 100+ containers to that person at that time. Hindi na naulit. </p><p><br />Fast forward to yesterday when I saw this post on a local Moms group. I know it sounds OA but my heart gave a little leap and started fluttering. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJZ85Gp8lt7i1DtAOFEu-SAMTvCAdFSsxt7p1pOnfnI7JiksCVimZe38LUWNEOk737Pse4n_8xXWC7NFnGUQvWzAfzEvDZhA04jExAYOlKPA0tppnauwvMBSkO7fyGfBb7h2KnN0U4HjX67QwbOKA39JN4Qc0DVa5t-Gw39QC-8Hbrh473Mkd8ejCj=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJZ85Gp8lt7i1DtAOFEu-SAMTvCAdFSsxt7p1pOnfnI7JiksCVimZe38LUWNEOk737Pse4n_8xXWC7NFnGUQvWzAfzEvDZhA04jExAYOlKPA0tppnauwvMBSkO7fyGfBb7h2KnN0U4HjX67QwbOKA39JN4Qc0DVa5t-Gw39QC-8Hbrh473Mkd8ejCj=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div><p></p><p>I felt like, "YES!". All my life, I've been prepping for this day.</p><p>So I quickly reached out to the poster, turns out their church regularly feeds 150 every Sunday and they're starting a supplemental program to distribute hot soup and chili to the needy. Hence, the soup containers. My contact also mentioned that if we had other sizes and flat containers, she'll take that as well. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p></div>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-12219337615060209532022-01-20T11:40:00.007-05:002022-01-20T11:40:58.221-05:00Salt and Pepper Pork Chops<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU_yBOkSgV6yJY2a0M3XTiyCE7KNHTUp23L0aijfR83NVzOCInF3zlnK_l4CzDZ5xFQvcVfyngR2xBGtpwSWi48PLC5S-egDm92RJpSSihCXXTP61Bq69Ckfacuj6MLNpiPNWt-DAQhQ/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU_yBOkSgV6yJY2a0M3XTiyCE7KNHTUp23L0aijfR83NVzOCInF3zlnK_l4CzDZ5xFQvcVfyngR2xBGtpwSWi48PLC5S-egDm92RJpSSihCXXTP61Bq69Ckfacuj6MLNpiPNWt-DAQhQ/w150-h200/saltpepperporkchops.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>I've been on a quest to get good Salt and Pepper Pork Chops. We've been getting them from our Chinese restaurant on Sundays but I haven't found one that's perfect. <p></p><p>N.C.'s is fatty.</p><p>Q.D.'s is sometimes too spicy for the husband. </p><p>Husband also does not like the bones that are all over the meat pieces.</p><p>and last night, I finally made MadeWithLau's Daddy Lau's <a href="https://madewithlau.com/recipes/salt-pepper-pork-chops" target="_blank">Salt and Pepper Pork Chops</a> and I am still in awe because I have not made anything *this* good in a long long time.</p><p>I prepped this dish in the exact same way that they showed in their video, making sure to pound the pork pieces with the back of my knife. The pork came out really nice and tender. </p><p>The taste and seasoning was perfect. </p><p><br /></p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-34002672072798160042022-01-16T22:18:00.001-05:002022-01-16T22:18:27.605-05:00Columbia<p>I splurged on a Columbia coat for Swe-cha this year because we have been getting very cold days ( temps in the 10s - 20s) and his usual winter coat that I get from Costco just isn't going to cut it.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwJKrpqeeN6UeG-1IRfx4YCna4-rRkda2WIPUBnAYGGFwrI3KwrcIHgf3rWKZItqVQA0SbUibB9fTFHbxoa5LBQKbDBBMvXt1gaJUlnCisdYmVgfed4hgG6eNN-_czOiFZYgEWdRfgWc/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwJKrpqeeN6UeG-1IRfx4YCna4-rRkda2WIPUBnAYGGFwrI3KwrcIHgf3rWKZItqVQA0SbUibB9fTFHbxoa5LBQKbDBBMvXt1gaJUlnCisdYmVgfed4hgG6eNN-_czOiFZYgEWdRfgWc/w113-h200/image.png" width="113" /></a></div><br />The coat is really nice and thick. I am assuming that it feels comfy too because Swe-cha has not been complaining. <p></p><p>Unfortunately, after washing it a few days ago, it came out of the wash looking like this, there was a rip just below the armpit along one side. </p><p>I was so <i>hinayang</i> so I started checking out Columbia's warranty policy. Turns out they have a limited lifetime warranty - I actually read about people sending 12 year old coats. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQipudZSn_Yg-lQDtW055I1KJ4vpgHjuvcfvwC8d5ElPtbkljWToj2ydcKPQteRFxCnMwaftPXkuPYJk_f8OJBnBaon74xogYSHvvgymC0DROjKEIMGzG9kHw58Ly25vG26anDIhG_tQ/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQipudZSn_Yg-lQDtW055I1KJ4vpgHjuvcfvwC8d5ElPtbkljWToj2ydcKPQteRFxCnMwaftPXkuPYJk_f8OJBnBaon74xogYSHvvgymC0DROjKEIMGzG9kHw58Ly25vG26anDIhG_tQ/w113-h200/image.png" width="113" /></a></div>As it turns out, since it's only been a month since we got this, this coat is still within the return period and the service rep I talked to sent me a pre-paid postage label. <p></p><p>I've since reordered the same item. Hope that we get the new one before the deadline for sending this ripped coat back (Or that we get warmer weather by then so Swe-cha can use his Costco coat). </p><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-49836723869573119552022-01-04T22:15:00.002-05:002022-01-04T22:15:27.663-05:00Draft Covers 2021/2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg5mKh3tIFc0VRUyRfp4qigZaOIAMdSTE0dsBc1zSOziliAi9p8FyRq-DrcXC9TG0oNWBVgxuXZp5PieuHjLrxVAmpPK78jdAcezb8XHR5S4o8KJyuywBqDp4dWdH1Tsk2O7qBP3ZQtxJMr-YORovlZUhEACK4OQkK-dsyEYP-b6ZMyo3LuLOmZtqE=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg5mKh3tIFc0VRUyRfp4qigZaOIAMdSTE0dsBc1zSOziliAi9p8FyRq-DrcXC9TG0oNWBVgxuXZp5PieuHjLrxVAmpPK78jdAcezb8XHR5S4o8KJyuywBqDp4dWdH1Tsk2O7qBP3ZQtxJMr-YORovlZUhEACK4OQkK-dsyEYP-b6ZMyo3LuLOmZtqE=s320" width="240" /></a></div>We woke up to 18 degree weather today and my first thought was "sulit na the Columbia jacket I got for Swe-cha". As the day went on, the temp did climb a little bit to a high of 38 F and boy, despite the heater running full blast, the house was FREEZING.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>And with that, we finally hauled our lazy bottoms up and started putting up our vent draft covers.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I don't know why we keep putting off these covers until the cold becomes unbearable. I bet we'd be saving so much energy if we put them up early - perhaps, even as soon as we're done with the AC season. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWCQYBL35ZLqDp9xYW_0xmUp9jf8sACvirdS6HDt3IqCYBhQB4Z4zI63rN0W_CPxjPw6kSx4z5OJufexKZ6HSbmRurqDmuuyCaKIYcDCRDCbLcB4K2NpczweHkkwwtk6iwGgONITaHA2LROCsJVkEolt4m0ku2_Iw82le8PdoSi889CN3oMzbWFpEK=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWCQYBL35ZLqDp9xYW_0xmUp9jf8sACvirdS6HDt3IqCYBhQB4Z4zI63rN0W_CPxjPw6kSx4z5OJufexKZ6HSbmRurqDmuuyCaKIYcDCRDCbLcB4K2NpczweHkkwwtk6iwGgONITaHA2LROCsJVkEolt4m0ku2_Iw82le8PdoSi889CN3oMzbWFpEK=s320" width="240" /></a></div>I was also still dealing with the laundry left over from my family's visit. I started with the bath towels and sheets last week and continued with the comforters today. And it being 18 degrees out, the basement was unbearable. I also did feel a huge draft coming into the basement from the window beside the freezer. <br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I swear, when I opened the freezer to pull out gyudon for dinner, I couldn't tell which was colder - the air coming from the freezer or the air/wind blowing in from the window draft.</p><p><br /></p><p>... and yes, our basement still has to be finished. I do count a major win today in that I finally convinced the husband to help me fashion a window cover for that drafty window. I planned to use plastic window / door sealing sheets initially but thought cardboard might be a sturdier option. We've lost a light source so I guess we'll deal with this in the spring. </p><p><br /></p><p>In any case, the basement immediately felt less cold and I bet this is going to do loads of good for the upstairs living area too. </p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-4793979050392931752021-12-30T14:49:00.002-05:002021-12-30T14:49:40.850-05:00EZ Pass Trivia<p>EZ Pass Trivia: when you go through toll booths and see a "GO TOLL UNPAID" message, it means that your EZ Pass device is no longer working - probably out of batteries - and needs to be replaced. Toll still gets charged to my account anyway because my license plates are registered. </p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-38524700314113946022021-12-09T22:30:00.017-05:002022-01-18T12:52:38.649-05:00Patio roof<p> On 12/6/2021, I happened to look out our bedroom window and saw these.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo7fVwcETyH2dTXF1ARuYmVlTphHDbPTyVphh836u_2CUFpVOVx5EDAPq2alw2OXJb_OMPd81IlqQdtUCEMOhtgPrFsJedGAu1hqvvgiaJ5IH8IV6YU0SsWDjRwL5vDr2T7do-dj5kjWpSq6_kwG8kqfKgsbsLXjcjbwsLTJ1ENh-4vbm5SiW3KF_c=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo7fVwcETyH2dTXF1ARuYmVlTphHDbPTyVphh836u_2CUFpVOVx5EDAPq2alw2OXJb_OMPd81IlqQdtUCEMOhtgPrFsJedGAu1hqvvgiaJ5IH8IV6YU0SsWDjRwL5vDr2T7do-dj5kjWpSq6_kwG8kqfKgsbsLXjcjbwsLTJ1ENh-4vbm5SiW3KF_c=w150-h200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD93qaH8UO59ypssRM3BKnQIepw6VH4Lm06OsFX3DlTVC-RrfxAU86X_XMgNjYLoLSsqS-Ioz0HTns5EbRsUnIjUsNVQ6pKHKW1XlonRsbcTdzPAwV9NIemFvnrThOqdjKKYpmhDrCuzg_pVd_KORR9vDYEIUs_RUszZczl1feB5ppvmv3VVoNR2U4=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD93qaH8UO59ypssRM3BKnQIepw6VH4Lm06OsFX3DlTVC-RrfxAU86X_XMgNjYLoLSsqS-Ioz0HTns5EbRsUnIjUsNVQ6pKHKW1XlonRsbcTdzPAwV9NIemFvnrThOqdjKKYpmhDrCuzg_pVd_KORR9vDYEIUs_RUszZczl1feB5ppvmv3VVoNR2U4=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have just had a very strong rainstorm recently and that uncovered the problem that we had in the patio roof. The edges, apparently, had been rotting for some time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We reached out to our roofer, Flex Construction, and were able to quickly schedule a repair. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Work included:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- removal of the old shingles</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- repair of around 3 ft of plywood on the edge of the roof</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- ice shield on the roof</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- install 30 year shingles on the roof</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- removal of debris </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuzjuFwbj_N92dd68uGo4yGsKqAxdO--YdPmfzO67PzPQWNWeBEj5sLF1g1PsXlGiYkkp9997SbNXSwcnSfRBNLzRLmfbEBg27jFaS1SKz7_TCAxRopsN-gNBzpWqA8oSr0me4V4nTfmP4SyVfD0GHYXw_4oZ-sCALJvUKYJv35QBUkUyM1hKua3GX=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuzjuFwbj_N92dd68uGo4yGsKqAxdO--YdPmfzO67PzPQWNWeBEj5sLF1g1PsXlGiYkkp9997SbNXSwcnSfRBNLzRLmfbEBg27jFaS1SKz7_TCAxRopsN-gNBzpWqA8oSr0me4V4nTfmP4SyVfD0GHYXw_4oZ-sCALJvUKYJv35QBUkUyM1hKua3GX=w150-h200" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjtcSmILQa2oFhq0AERdIW1Ivf_kcjJQRCnz8EwBHDNCsPCPEwc2tDqruiOEAVvD9jIYF2Y0zomghwGSbd0wXc5F2U3DYfIBF5YZBKei_nRFik0TD7xQjIoztDxgm0Hm_Twud877A1ZFDok27Jwb6rSsTzWzGRJmCoY4FhxLrjkI-o9EsvIfz7FA3f=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjtcSmILQa2oFhq0AERdIW1Ivf_kcjJQRCnz8EwBHDNCsPCPEwc2tDqruiOEAVvD9jIYF2Y0zomghwGSbd0wXc5F2U3DYfIBF5YZBKei_nRFik0TD7xQjIoztDxgm0Hm_Twud877A1ZFDok27Jwb6rSsTzWzGRJmCoY4FhxLrjkI-o9EsvIfz7FA3f=w200-h150" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5XlM0bW677HUaxgSJwhf21miPyLSitkw3ElkjYYv9vZcLgTDMMdDwdSNyKdDwdJ3py365Ezn9JJ9T_zjrQI-Wd--3eHO2aBFd8aDJsGuf_KVaywL-Wo0u3hJd-FkVrssh4N1rQnCRlerWka4r3aW-OyL0bJIn6v--JIUP-X-WyhwiUnyVthRW93JG=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5XlM0bW677HUaxgSJwhf21miPyLSitkw3ElkjYYv9vZcLgTDMMdDwdSNyKdDwdJ3py365Ezn9JJ9T_zjrQI-Wd--3eHO2aBFd8aDJsGuf_KVaywL-Wo0u3hJd-FkVrssh4N1rQnCRlerWka4r3aW-OyL0bJIn6v--JIUP-X-WyhwiUnyVthRW93JG=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWT5vYyPsczcKqV2KKvDmvu4H5b7RtXg8A9_gnRROxA2aVRBNz1A5HlZDONpg6bo9IkjILa-26e3ZsLzsJngT3FX3KJzP_0pOCEk6TbITv9TPAtJDmMJHDMrULEsxgZHZERzp--d2YG_oWPiRdMc3CxM6OZmtrumPliFaU5J2SSAS2VTOo8kG9Cz5q=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWT5vYyPsczcKqV2KKvDmvu4H5b7RtXg8A9_gnRROxA2aVRBNz1A5HlZDONpg6bo9IkjILa-26e3ZsLzsJngT3FX3KJzP_0pOCEk6TbITv9TPAtJDmMJHDMrULEsxgZHZERzp--d2YG_oWPiRdMc3CxM6OZmtrumPliFaU5J2SSAS2VTOo8kG9Cz5q=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div><br /></div>Total cost: $3000 <div>Also paid extra $100 to clean gutters - Flex flushed out all our gutters. <br /><p>*note - We asked Flex to check out our house roof and he found and repaired missing shingles on our roof and also said that our roof is generally still in good shape. We should be able to get another year out of it. (Hopefully, more -- my wishful thinking).</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-30638958411800637362021-11-12T12:14:00.002-05:002021-11-12T12:14:47.538-05:00Sad<p>Lost another friend from my BBS days today.</p><p>Was just literally exchanging messages with him yesterday and he's gone now. Heart attack daw.</p><p>RIP, A.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-17066240699231042992021-11-01T11:56:00.003-04:002021-11-01T11:58:26.513-04:00Dishwasher<p>Last weekend was the busiest we've had in a long time. We accomplished so much, our muscles are still protesting right now. </p><p>The first project we tackled was the dishwasher. The old dishwasher, the Miele, has been broken for months and the husband finally decided on what replacement model he wants. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idD447jU270/YYAJBdYJSdI/AAAAAAAAESY/oO_HB90T3u8R0mh77GNbY7UDl0OYlHP-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/IMG-5898a.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idD447jU270/YYAJBdYJSdI/AAAAAAAAESY/oO_HB90T3u8R0mh77GNbY7UDl0OYlHP-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/IMG-5898a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The husband fell in love with the Bosch 500 series because it had a 3rd rack and the auto-vent feature which, I think, means that when it is done with the cycle, it will open the door automatically to vent out the steam. <p></p><p></p><p>We also didn't bother looking for an integrated dishwasher since this model was available in a stainless steel finish and will match our other appliances. We did take off the cabinet panel from the old dishwasher and saved it in case we may have some use for it again in the future. </p><p>This was purchased from Home Depot and with this, we also got a universal dishwasher installation kit and a Bosch drain pipe extension kit. HD tried to sell me an electrical outlet but I declined because I was 100% sure that there was already a wall outlet for the dishwasher. We did have to buy an extra elbow compression fitting for the hot water supply.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHuYLhy_yHs/YYAE3x8Jj3I/AAAAAAAAER4/5xm_mU8MEP87LtcXptCi9D8zw71E8i5fACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/viber_image_2021-10-30_20-43-48-147.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHuYLhy_yHs/YYAE3x8Jj3I/AAAAAAAAER4/5xm_mU8MEP87LtcXptCi9D8zw71E8i5fACLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/viber_image_2021-10-30_20-43-48-147.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>We were hit with a challenge early on in the process. Before starting anything, I suggested to the husband that we push the dishwasher in and see how it fits so that we can adjust the feet to the level we want.<p></p><p>Oops. That's when we find out that it does not fit. There is enough clearance between the granite counter top and the floor, but there is this piece of cabinetry / trim that is blocking the appliance.</p><p>Yes, we lowered everything. Yes, we tried tilting the dishwasher so that we can push that metal back under the trim but the appliance top sort of curves upwards towards the middle and that will get stuck too.</p><p>Husband and I spent the next 10-20 minutes sitting on the floor, just staring at the dishwasher and contemplating what we can do next. We were also alternating between laughing hard and trying not to cry. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. At some point, I swear, I was going to suggest we just leave it in the middle of the kitchen. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju8sZNzjq_k/YYAGzhF9-EI/AAAAAAAAESA/HD8Tm5HSyp8-71UY1qcdFLWd-A-OdllWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s422/multitool.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="422" height="139" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju8sZNzjq_k/YYAGzhF9-EI/AAAAAAAAESA/HD8Tm5HSyp8-71UY1qcdFLWd-A-OdllWgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h139/multitool.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Husband then tried to pry out that piece of trim. It was nailed and glued securely on both ends and also has another 1" x 1/2" piece of wood backing and support it from the back. <p></p><p>At this point, I suggested getting a multi tool. I went to our neighborhood Harbor Freight store and got a Chicago Electric Oscillating Multi tool kit for $22.97 (clearance price). We were able to cut off that piece of offending wood. Soon, we were back in business.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LYTfmp1ajg/YYALV1U0z7I/AAAAAAAAESo/zDxRo-VIy48iyzQLiy_XBtBkgPZB2SBxACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG-5916.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LYTfmp1ajg/YYALV1U0z7I/AAAAAAAAESo/zDxRo-VIy48iyzQLiy_XBtBkgPZB2SBxACLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/IMG-5916.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>The rest of the install went smoothly.<div><br /></div><div>Husband did later check the dimensions of other dishwashers and the obvious size choices have to do with the width - 24" or 18". He randomly picked different brands and all required the same clearance as the Bosch so technically, we could've bought any brand and still hit the same problem. </div><div><br /></div><div>That wood trim was really something we had to remove.</div><div><br /></div><div>And yes, that is the protective sticker, we haven't removed it yet. </div><div><p><br /></p></div>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-21593932462003549742021-10-09T23:56:00.002-04:002021-10-10T00:00:19.478-04:00September 2021 Artwork<p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYyfRcD8ias/YWJkR86fx4I/AAAAAAAAEQw/Ka7Xzfsu44QhlaoG-HjNNshltOReo52CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG-5833b.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYyfRcD8ias/YWJkR86fx4I/AAAAAAAAEQw/Ka7Xzfsu44QhlaoG-HjNNshltOReo52CQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG-5833b.jpg" width="320" /></a>The robots along the side are from I Know It.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmjfeq4Dv_c/YWJkRBIpqJI/AAAAAAAAEQk/tcvGdtJf2e4ChLeBAq9x-h9NyV_OI9uogCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG-5832.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmjfeq4Dv_c/YWJkRBIpqJI/AAAAAAAAEQk/tcvGdtJf2e4ChLeBAq9x-h9NyV_OI9uogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-5832.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"Look, Mom, I finished a math worksheet, I earned a stamp!"</div><div><br /></div><div>(Note that he also made the worksheet himself).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZ8UqLteSec/YWJkRLQnmCI/AAAAAAAAEQs/O7tPj5RexSQv0FdzC_sY0DR5ieFSYsktgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG-5829.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZ8UqLteSec/YWJkRLQnmCI/AAAAAAAAEQs/O7tPj5RexSQv0FdzC_sY0DR5ieFSYsktgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-5829.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This has a Good Boy --- Naughty chart at the bottom. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRWw-uHX7FE/YWJkRBhHUoI/AAAAAAAAEQo/oKlIE4Wy7bwmNlP5qvpsP9g_0FSIsZmDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG-5828.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRWw-uHX7FE/YWJkRBhHUoI/AAAAAAAAEQo/oKlIE4Wy7bwmNlP5qvpsP9g_0FSIsZmDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-5828.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p></div><div>... supposed to be a boxing ring. I think the photo is upside-down.</div>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-16061158320467080282021-10-09T23:18:00.007-04:002021-10-09T23:51:48.282-04:004th Full Bathroom<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5_6VGoo5H8/YWJUTbhKU3I/AAAAAAAAEPk/kgdnGwuYe4AvWj-qi0ITLz5eL7tIz0H2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/sink.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5_6VGoo5H8/YWJUTbhKU3I/AAAAAAAAEPk/kgdnGwuYe4AvWj-qi0ITLz5eL7tIz0H2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w113-h200/sink.jpg" width="113" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ever since we moved into our BHC home, we've always wanted to get our 4th BR bath gutted and remodeled but as it turns out 8 years later, we've grown more practical and so we decided to just have the fixtures updated. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We made a wishlist of what we wanted done, since are skipping the entire remodel and the list we came down to was:</div><div style="text-align: left;">- replace toilet - we went with a recommendation from friend E's plumber for a toilet that flushes really well. Keeping our fingers crossed that this one is good and doesn't get blocked. That awful bluish-green shade is also so dated and hurts my eyes.</div><div style="text-align: left;">- replace bathroom vanity, countertop and faucet</div><div style="text-align: left;">- replace shower head with a wider head and one that comes with a hose</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSkNhZ6U4eA/YWJUTYGK78I/AAAAAAAAEPo/S7FRcA0yYyUOiL2PBIB3EbX0NCtf3NGjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/viber_image_2021-10-09_22-31-49-794.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSkNhZ6U4eA/YWJUTYGK78I/AAAAAAAAEPo/S7FRcA0yYyUOiL2PBIB3EbX0NCtf3NGjwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/viber_image_2021-10-09_22-31-49-794.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We got a few quotes from different contractors.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">M, <a href="https://popcornsthoughts.blogspot.com/2021/07/plumber-mk.html">the rude one</a> who would've cut out pipes in the wrong spot unnecessarily if I hadn't insisted he check again, quoted $500, labor only</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">THC, was at $1500, labor only. Too expensive.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jeff, our handyman since our condo days, quoted $550. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We decided to go with Jeff and I will mention that we also decided to just keep the existing countertop and vanity as they're a special compact size and was expensive to replace. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And as with most of our projects, we forgot to take good "before" shots so this is all I have. (sometimes, I feel so relieved that we do not depend on social media for our livelihood... we'd starve!). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzKi3atyFbY/YWJWrhYf_EI/AAAAAAAAEP4/k-mCJo1xv9UrxwTD0cifT8U6D0aP4JRyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/in%2Bprogress.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzKi3atyFbY/YWJWrhYf_EI/AAAAAAAAEP4/k-mCJo1xv9UrxwTD0cifT8U6D0aP4JRyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/in%2Bprogress.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I took this "in progress" shot when Jeff stepped out quickly to his truck to get some supplies and I remembered that we didn't have any "before" photos. At this time, he's done all the replacements and only had the cleanup left. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Total cost:</div><div style="text-align: left;">- Water Pik Shower Head - ~$40 (Costco)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- Sink faucet - ~$54 (Home Depot)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- Toilet, tank & seat - $396 (Wallington Plumbing Supply)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- Labor - $450 (Jeff)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- LED lights for the bathroom mirror (vanity) and the ceiling light / exhaust</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When all was done, hubby asked, "What do you want to do about the bathroom lights ?" I had no plans, I honestly didn't even notice that the bulbs in the bathroom were still warm yellow lights. I thought we'd replaced all the bulbs in the whole house but these were obviously left untouched since we never use this bathroom anyway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Husband did find LED daylight bulbs (candelabra and regular socket) in our stockpile and they made a lot of difference. The bathroom looks so much brighter and bigger. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPts-bki90Y/YWJbEKFKGtI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/fDSfhTFMagYBZuqfCtS2IWCQNz5eu9S6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/mirror%2Bdone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPts-bki90Y/YWJbEKFKGtI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/fDSfhTFMagYBZuqfCtS2IWCQNz5eu9S6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/mirror%2Bdone.jpg" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AbZ1NEmdkTc/YWJbFJuhjyI/AAAAAAAAEQU/NKZlaC5Cags1WRpnh-5-IWWQ783DJdB9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/bath%2Ball%2Bdone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AbZ1NEmdkTc/YWJbFJuhjyI/AAAAAAAAEQU/NKZlaC5Cags1WRpnh-5-IWWQ783DJdB9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/bath%2Ball%2Bdone.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><p></p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-44250122511100954802021-09-26T10:32:00.003-04:002021-09-26T10:32:46.076-04:00Step Aerobics<p>Last week, my brother told me about how he's taken up zumba recently and is trying hard to make it a daily thing. he hasn't been attending in-person classes but just picks up videos from YouTube and follows them at home. </p><p><br /></p><p>It's really long overdue but I got the realization that I should start exercising and moving before it's too late. I've probably used my treadmill a dozen times in total since I bought it in Jan 2016. If it weren't for Swe-cha using it (almost) daily, it would still be gathering dust in our family room. </p><p><br /></p><p>Now, so far as cardio exercises go, Zumba doesn't work for me. I tried it before and could not follow the simplest moves. I cannot keep up. Thought a bit more and decided to go back to step aerobics. After all, I was a (self-proclaimed) Step Aerobics machine in my day. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8V8x3ABhVEU/YVCBzUF1X3I/AAAAAAAAEOs/y_6oBCjtINAvl3c3PFriA-dH8IoWAJk3wCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="622" height="112" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8V8x3ABhVEU/YVCBzUF1X3I/AAAAAAAAEOs/y_6oBCjtINAvl3c3PFriA-dH8IoWAJk3wCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div>I got myself a good deal on a Step platform, circuit size, from Amazon. Ambitious and full of self-confidence, I made sure to get the basic platform with 2 sets of risers. <br /><p></p><div>The step was delivered last night and I used it for the first time today. </div><div><br /></div><div>My original plan was to exercise in my home office and watch the video from my laptop - I do have space now since we moved the daybed to Swe-cha's room upstairs - but I decided to go to the living room instead so I'd have more space and could play the video on the 60" screen. </div><div><br /></div><div>I found it difficult to navigate and search for YouTube videos from the Smart TV using a regular remote and when a 25 minute step aerobic workout video for beginners finally popped up on my search, I decided to go with that - I wasn't too happy about it at first because I was looking for an hour-long exercise since the classes I used to attend in Manila were an hour long. </div><div><br /></div><div>Self-confidence made me use 1 set of risers. I told myself, "sisiw lang ito, beginner eh". I actually considered using 2 sets of risers but held myself back because it's been 20+ years, after all, since I last did this. </div><div><br /></div><div>Barely 5 minutes into the class and just doing basic steps, I can feel my thigh muscles complaining. If I had the breath to spare, I would be laughing at my earlier bravado but I couldn't because I was too busy trying to stay alive. </div><div><br /></div><div>I took off the risers and that allowed me to scrape by and finish the 25 minute exercise. I picked a 10 minute cool-down video with stretches and could barely finish it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, as I write this post, I tried to get up to get a drink of water and found my legs wobbly. I am just going to ask Swe-cha to bring me water. </div><div><br /></div><div>I learned 2 lessons today...</div><div>1. we need to exercise regularly</div><div>2. huwag mayabang</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-384093405744572012021-07-23T12:50:00.000-04:002021-07-23T12:50:58.343-04:00Krispy Kreme<p>R&B are going to take Swe-cha swimming today so I woke up extra early to go pick up some Krispy Kreme donuts for them to snack on.</p><p><br /></p><p>I was 3rd in line at KK, the first was a family who has a big order ($100+). The guy next in line (in front of me) would look at me and his watch and say, "it's been half an hour!". As it turns out, it took the family a while to complete their order because there were a lot of them - it wasn't that they were undecided, there were just many of them so it took a while to consolidate. Afterwards, the same cashier who punched in their order was also the only one who would assemble their donuts and drinks. </p><p><br /></p><p>By the time customer #2 got in front, he complained, "hey, you need more help around here" and KK staff responds and says, "we're hiring! you should apply". It wasn't the answer that he was looking for, obviously, and customer had a few more things to say.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thankfully there were no other customers behind me so when it was my turn, I felt comfortable enough to ask for suggestions on how I should buy my donuts (half-dozen, dozen, by the piece) because I didn't really want to buy too much but I did also want to get a better deal. I was pleasantly surprised when the cashier took his time punching in different combinations of orders and then giving me a suggestion. I thanked him for making that effort and told him I appreciated his time. Next thing I know, he was saying "I'm not going to charge you for the NY cheesecake donut because you're nice". </p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you, KK staff. You're nice too :)</p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-23206335256501918732021-07-18T22:06:00.002-04:002021-07-18T22:06:50.353-04:00Price Quote<p>Remember the <a href="http://popcornsthoughts.blogspot.com/2021/07/plumber-mk.html">plumber</a> who gave me attitude last time ?</p><p>So he quoted us $500 labor for the bathroom refurbishment project.</p><p><br /></p><p>Separately, we had someone drop by last Friday, THC, to take a look and give us a quote. We were quoted $900 for the same scope.</p><p><br /></p><p>... somehow, I am realizing that I am not as sensitive to getting attitude as I thought ;)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-89820422973069546882021-07-07T10:36:00.003-04:002021-07-07T11:53:08.638-04:00Plumber MK<p>We had a plumber come in yesterday to snake out our kitchen sink. It was draining really slow for a few days. Baking Soda, Vinegar and hot water didn't work. Neither did Drano.</p><p>On the phone, plumber MK quotes us $95 to snake a kitchen drain. Thought that was reasonable (seems like everybody charges around that amount anyway) and asked him to come.</p><p>MK comes, looks at the sink, fills it with water and sees that it isn't draining.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrkTVjd_m7I/YOW3uVrM30I/AAAAAAAAEJs/0eXnj0k5cnwC8i-xKX0mLKDfpAvBAdRawCLcBGAsYHQ/s1022/drainpipe.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1022" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrkTVjd_m7I/YOW3uVrM30I/AAAAAAAAEJs/0eXnj0k5cnwC8i-xKX0mLKDfpAvBAdRawCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/drainpipe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>He goes down to the basement, picks out a drain pipe, screws open a cover (arrow A in the image) and inserts a snake upwards. While all this was happening, I go back to work and leave the husband with MK. <p></p><p>Later, I come out from a meeting and husband calls out to me saying it's a bigger issue than we thought. <br /></p><p>MK says that he ran his snake upwards towards the sink at least 20-30 feet and it only seems like 15-20 feet and it's clear. The issue is in the drain pipe leading outwards and he's going to have to cut our pipes (arrow B in the image). It will be costly.</p><p>"Are you sure ?" I ask.</p><p>MK says he's been doing this for a long time, he knows what he's doing. I asked what it was that could've clogged it, he says it was probably years of grease buildup. It happens.</p><p>I was going to ask another question when MK abruptly cuts me off, starts walking up and signals to my husband to follow him. He says to husband "you understand me, right ? you know what I'm talking about ?" </p><p>The attitude / tone was that he didn't want to talk to me who didn't know about these things. I let it go.</p><p>In the kitchen, I then asked if it could be the garbage disposal ? Did they check ? can he check the sink first before cutting up pipes ? </p><p>He reluctantly then opened the drain behind the garbage disposal, inserted the snake, and almost immediately, found the blockage and cleared it. </p><p>Blockage cleared and no pipes were cut. He charged us $115 because he had to snake twice. I didn't argue anymore even though to me, it made more sense to start snaking CLOSER to where you're seeing the drainage issues, right ? </p><p>Later, MK would tell us that garbage disposals make things more difficult because he has to work around them and there isn't a lot of space. </p><p>...</p><p>The silver lining in all this is that while MK was cleaning up, I followed up with the husband to check if he mentioned the Bathroom#4 project that we were looking to do for Swe-cha's room. </p><p>Husband: No, ayoko sa kanya </p><p>Me: Why ?</p><p>Husband: Kasi sinungitan ka niya eh. </p><p>*kilig*. </p><p>Anyway, we did ask him to give an estimate anyway just so we'd have a ballpark idea. </p><p>Scope of work:</p><p>- replace toilet and tank</p><p>- replace bathroom vanity, keep existing countertop, replace sink faucet</p><p>- replace shower fixture</p><p>We were quoted $500 for labor costs, not including materials. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-83893728256567387352021-06-25T19:06:00.000-04:002021-06-25T19:06:01.332-04:00Prayer Plants<p>My prayer plants are coming along nicely. </p><p>*knocks on wood*</p><p>I purchased these 2 from Amazon last 10/2020. I wish I had taken photos then but they were tiny and came in 3" pots. They've since grown a lot of new leaves. </p><p>I've been looking forward to propagating it and planting it beside the main plant to make it look bushier. I also want to share new plants with friend, K. I just have to wait for a suitable node which I can cut off. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWKXinZr7Cs/YNZgZsLQsfI/AAAAAAAAEIo/GaiRWFDs9Z8ulFteYOBGjGjxxY2sOFkWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Prayer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWKXinZr7Cs/YNZgZsLQsfI/AAAAAAAAEIo/GaiRWFDs9Z8ulFteYOBGjGjxxY2sOFkWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Prayer2.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tePoWEKMS48/YNZgWSjyA2I/AAAAAAAAEIk/QBplVkZQArcuZBVt4haSsVJz0vN8Po22QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Prayer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tePoWEKMS48/YNZgWSjyA2I/AAAAAAAAEIk/QBplVkZQArcuZBVt4haSsVJz0vN8Po22QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Prayer1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><p></p>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979571174225731535.post-6237240414540631132021-06-13T09:46:00.000-04:002021-06-21T10:00:00.126-04:00House Wash<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQRX6gj7ua4/YNCYZIgPP0I/AAAAAAAAEIA/Cl8Ik8GZBrsLXgVY7Jz1b3fB33LmH_C6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/side%2Bwall%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQRX6gj7ua4/YNCYZIgPP0I/AAAAAAAAEIA/Cl8Ik8GZBrsLXgVY7Jz1b3fB33LmH_C6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/side%2Bwall%2B1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Today was a busy day. <p></p><p>While the Zong Zi (Ma Chang) are inside the house and cooking, the husband is outside cleaning the side wall where algae (and mold ? ) seem to have taken root. </p><p></p><br />We used a product called Mold Armor house wash, connected it to a regular garden hose and then sprayed it on the wall. After 10 minutes, husband rinsed it off again and we're left with a nice, clean, white wall.<br /><p></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPjGSnJQZko/YNCZIloqJkI/AAAAAAAAEIU/q4mza9_IvBIH1a2KrhSlM_auX2ZNo7OnACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/side%2Bwall%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPjGSnJQZko/YNCZIloqJkI/AAAAAAAAEIU/q4mza9_IvBIH1a2KrhSlM_auX2ZNo7OnACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/side%2Bwall%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>popcornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12666200664869699642noreply@blogger.com0