Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
In San Francisco
I'm currently in San Francisco. I'll be heading back home later today.
Patty should be somewhere over the Pacific Ocean right now on her way home...I just realized that we are supposed to land in Phoenix at exactly the same time! I knew the two flights (me from SFO; Patty from TPE via LAX) were coming in around the same time, but I didn't know it was going to be to the minute (if all goes per schedule).
Patty should be somewhere over the Pacific Ocean right now on her way home...I just realized that we are supposed to land in Phoenix at exactly the same time! I knew the two flights (me from SFO; Patty from TPE via LAX) were coming in around the same time, but I didn't know it was going to be to the minute (if all goes per schedule).
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Miscellaneous Ramblings
I'm back home for 35 more hours...
I arrived late yesterday from Williamsburg, Virginia - a total travel time of nearly 12 hrs!
Interesting observation:
I flew on four flights over the last week - all on US Airways, and noticed that none of the flight attendants were under 40 (by my estimates). They also seemed to be hating life (or their jobs) as there were no smiles observed. What a stark contrast to my recent travels in Asia, on a variety of Asian airlines, where none of the FAs were over 35 (again, by my estimates) and they all had permasmiles and really seemed to take pride in what they are doing. No offense GW (I'm sure you are a superstar)!
Another observation:
On one of my flights yesterday, it took the FAs nearly 45 minutes to complete the beverage service in the economy cabin. I think an EVA/ANA/(insert any Asian airline here) crew could serve pre-dinner drinks, meal, and after-dinner drink in the same amount of time.
Does any one actually like US Airways?
I try to avoid US Airways whenever possible, but it's pretty tough as it's the dominant carrier here in Phoenix (along w/ Southwest).
On one of my flights yesterday, I was reading this month's issue of US Airways Magazine. I always find the letter from the CEO segment very entertaining. This month's letter did not disappoint. Here it is (highlights are mine):
------------------------------------------
The Choice Is Yours
Chairman and CEO Doug Parker
The comforts of home may be hard to find at 35,000 feet, but US Airways is working to give you more inflight offerings to make your travels with us more enjoyable.
I'm pretty certain that Doug Parker did not write this letter. If so...is it a joke?!? How many times does he mention for sale/purchase above? This is the same airline that recently tried to charge for all non-alcoholic beverages and decided to reinstate complimentary beverage service due to the following reason:
"The beverage program was distracting from the outstanding improvements in on-time performance and baggage handling US Airways` 34,000 employees worked so hard to achieve last year," said Parker.
New (for purchase) drink selections and for purchase internet are going to improve customer satisfaction? By the way, the cocktails are $8!!! I walked through the cabin right after beverage service was completed and did not notice any customers w/ a cocktail. Wonder if they'll last...
Other random things:
I canceled our cable and phone land-line. We don't really watch much TV and rarely use the phone. For TV, we'll rely on any free broadcast HD channels that we get.
Why do car rental companies buy the worst cars (i.e. Chevy Aveo, Chrysler PT Cruiser, etc.)?!? It seems like they could save a bunch of maintenance expenses and improve customer satisfaction by using more reliable cars. I'm thinking Toyotas, Hondas, etc here...
That's all for now!
I arrived late yesterday from Williamsburg, Virginia - a total travel time of nearly 12 hrs!
Interesting observation:
I flew on four flights over the last week - all on US Airways, and noticed that none of the flight attendants were under 40 (by my estimates). They also seemed to be hating life (or their jobs) as there were no smiles observed. What a stark contrast to my recent travels in Asia, on a variety of Asian airlines, where none of the FAs were over 35 (again, by my estimates) and they all had permasmiles and really seemed to take pride in what they are doing. No offense GW (I'm sure you are a superstar)!
Another observation:
On one of my flights yesterday, it took the FAs nearly 45 minutes to complete the beverage service in the economy cabin. I think an EVA/ANA/
Does any one actually like US Airways?
I try to avoid US Airways whenever possible, but it's pretty tough as it's the dominant carrier here in Phoenix (along w/ Southwest).
On one of my flights yesterday, I was reading this month's issue of US Airways Magazine. I always find the letter from the CEO segment very entertaining. This month's letter did not disappoint. Here it is (highlights are mine):
------------------------------------------
The Choice Is Yours
Chairman and CEO Doug Parker
The comforts of home may be hard to find at 35,000 feet, but US Airways is working to give you more inflight offerings to make your travels with us more enjoyable.
Over the past few months, we introduced a variety of popular snacks for sale in addition to our fresh meals and snack boxes, and we began offering several new restaurant-quality cocktails and premium beverages. These choices — more than we’ve ever offered — are all part of a new inflight menu called US Airways MarketPlace.
We’ve selected some well-known brands to offer something different from what you might expect while flying. In addition to our assortment of complimentary soda, juice, coffee, tea, and water, you now have the option to purchase three popular “pick-me-ups”: AriZona Arnold Palmer Lite Half & Half, the classic iced tea-lemonade combo; iced Starbucks® Frappuccino® Coffee Drink; and Red Bull, the number one energy drink in the world.
We’re also pleased to offer you three new, award-winning, all-natural cocktail mixers from Stirrings. You’ll have the choice of a Pomegranate Martini, Mai Tai, or Margarita, all made with real fruit juice, triple-filtered water, and cane sugar.
In addition to enhancing your travel experience with more snack and beverage options, US Airways is helping you make the most of your flying time by turning our aircraft into Wi-Fi “hotspots.”
Beginning early next year we’ll install Gogo® Inflight Internet service from Aircell on our fleet of Airbus A321 aircraft. Customers with laptops, smartphones, and other Wi-Fi enabled devices will be able to purchase full Internet access including Web, instant messaging, email, and VPN access on select domestic flights.
Whether you decide to catch up on work or relax and surf the Internet is up to you, but we know that our new Wi-Fi service will make your travels with us more enjoyable. On behalf of our 33,000 employees, we appreciate that you’re flying with us today. We look forward to serving you in the future.
Doug Parker
Chairman and CEO
I'm pretty certain that Doug Parker did not write this letter. If so...is it a joke?!? How many times does he mention for sale/purchase above? This is the same airline that recently tried to charge for all non-alcoholic beverages and decided to reinstate complimentary beverage service due to the following reason:
"The beverage program was distracting from the outstanding improvements in on-time performance and baggage handling US Airways` 34,000 employees worked so hard to achieve last year," said Parker.
New (for purchase) drink selections and for purchase internet are going to improve customer satisfaction? By the way, the cocktails are $8!!! I walked through the cabin right after beverage service was completed and did not notice any customers w/ a cocktail. Wonder if they'll last...
Other random things:
I canceled our cable and phone land-line. We don't really watch much TV and rarely use the phone. For TV, we'll rely on any free broadcast HD channels that we get.
Why do car rental companies buy the worst cars (i.e. Chevy Aveo, Chrysler PT Cruiser, etc.)?!? It seems like they could save a bunch of maintenance expenses and improve customer satisfaction by using more reliable cars. I'm thinking Toyotas, Hondas, etc here...
That's all for now!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Random thoughts
I arrived back home on Thursday night.
We hit the mall today - one of the few things to do in Phoenix during the scorching summer.
Here are some random thoughts I had today:
We hit the mall today - one of the few things to do in Phoenix during the scorching summer.
Here are some random thoughts I had today:
- Do smokers that toss their used cigarette butts on the street do the same thing inside their homes? I'm assuming no...so why do they do it outside?!? (I think about this one a lot. It's one of my pet peeves.)
- We stopped in Gap today. After years of dull designs, the clothes seem to be improving! I wonder if this is a result of Patrick Robinson. I haven't bought anything from Gap for a very, very long time, but maybe sometime soon!
- Clinique desperately needs to redesign the packaging for the majority of its product line. The packaging for these products looks like it's straight from the '80s. I think about this every time I pass by the Clinique counter @ a department store...I do love their M Protect lotion though.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Planes, trains, and automobiles
I'm finally home! I've been traveling since Feb. 25th.
In the past 9 days I've:
- taken 1 train ride
- driven 2 rental cars
- taken 3 flights
- stayed in 4 hotels
- and been to 5 cities (Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, San Jose, and Sacramento)
(how convenient that the numbers above just happened to work out!)
Basically, this is going to be a pit-stop - I'm headed to Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon...just enough time for me to do some laundry and cut my hair before I leave again.
In the past 9 days I've:
- taken 1 train ride
- driven 2 rental cars
- taken 3 flights
- stayed in 4 hotels
- and been to 5 cities (Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, San Jose, and Sacramento)
(how convenient that the numbers above just happened to work out!)
Basically, this is going to be a pit-stop - I'm headed to Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon...just enough time for me to do some laundry and cut my hair before I leave again.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Night and day
Over the past week, I've driven two rental two cars - an '09 Toyota Corolla and an '09 Chevy Cobalt.
Both are mid-entry level compact cars, but it's amazing how different they are. The Corolla is a very decent car. I would be happy driving this car everyday.
The Cobalt is a complete disaster - hard plastics throughout the interior, weak brakes, underpowered engine (constantly wheezing as if it suffers from asthma), poor gas mileage, and a terrible turn radius (like maneuvering a van). It's a tiny step up from a Chevy Aveo (which is also one of the worst cars ever...right up there w/ the PT Cruiser).
It's pretty evident to me why the US automakers are failing. With the exception of a few vehicles, cars in the lower price levels by GM, Ford, and Chrysler are inferior in quality to those offered by European and Asian automakers. The rental car companies are a major purchaser of these (U.S. automaker) vehicles and I'm sure the three automakers would be doomed w/ out this segment.Note - Hertz is owned by Ford. (not any more...so stratch that. Thanks for the reminder Tim!)
Just my opinion!
UPDATE:
Is GM almost gone?
General Motors Crash Warning (from Forbes)
Both are mid-entry level compact cars, but it's amazing how different they are. The Corolla is a very decent car. I would be happy driving this car everyday.
The Cobalt is a complete disaster - hard plastics throughout the interior, weak brakes, underpowered engine (constantly wheezing as if it suffers from asthma), poor gas mileage, and a terrible turn radius (like maneuvering a van). It's a tiny step up from a Chevy Aveo (which is also one of the worst cars ever...right up there w/ the PT Cruiser).
It's pretty evident to me why the US automakers are failing. With the exception of a few vehicles, cars in the lower price levels by GM, Ford, and Chrysler are inferior in quality to those offered by European and Asian automakers. The rental car companies are a major purchaser of these (U.S. automaker) vehicles and I'm sure the three automakers would be doomed w/ out this segment.
Just my opinion!
UPDATE:
Is GM almost gone?
General Motors Crash Warning (from Forbes)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Handy Andy (Part 2)
My last home improvement project - Handy Andy posting
Time for another DIY project!
We spent most of the day today painting. We've been thinking about doing some accent painting since we moved in (nearly two years ago) and finally got around to it today!
Good thing Lowe's is less than two miles from our house - we made three trips there to buy paint samples, paint (the final color choice), and supplies. Total cost: ~$50. Satisfaction: priceless
Here's a before...
and after:
another view (before):
and after:
Time for another DIY project!
We spent most of the day today painting. We've been thinking about doing some accent painting since we moved in (nearly two years ago) and finally got around to it today!
Good thing Lowe's is less than two miles from our house - we made three trips there to buy paint samples, paint (the final color choice), and supplies. Total cost: ~$50. Satisfaction: priceless
Here's a before...
and after:
another view (before):
and after:
Friday, December 5, 2008
Happy to have my car back!
About a month ago, Patty had the sudden urge to crash my car into the cement base of a light pole (after a long day at work, she accidentally had the car in "Drive", instead of "Reverse").
After many weeks of driving her car, while my car was in the shop, I was finally able to pick up my car today!
Here's the "before":
Ouch! ~$4,000 worth of damage...
and after:
Much better...back to "normal"!
After many weeks of driving her car, while my car was in the shop, I was finally able to pick up my car today!
Here's the "before":
Ouch! ~$4,000 worth of damage...and after:
Much better...back to "normal"!Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I have exercised my right to vote - have you?
Just back from voting!
I woke up at 5:20am this morning and arrived at my voting location at 5:30am. There were already 43 people in line ahead of me. The location opened at 6am and I submitted my ballot by 6:20am.
Now I've got to deal w/ a little mishap involving my car...
I woke up at 5:20am this morning and arrived at my voting location at 5:30am. There were already 43 people in line ahead of me. The location opened at 6am and I submitted my ballot by 6:20am.
Now I've got to deal w/ a little mishap involving my car...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Top Chef: The Tour and ThunderCares Day
This morning I went to Phoenix Downtown Public Market to try to make the Top Chef Tour demonstration scheduled for 8:30am. Patty and I have watched the last few seasons of the show. The chefs scheduled for the Phoenix tour were Season 4 runner-up Richard Blaise and Season 2 contestant Betty Fraser. Richard was one of our favorites so I was excited to watch him cook.
I arrived at 7:45am and there was already a line of about 25 people (at 8:30am, there were probably over 100 people). I put my name on a waiting list and waited...in the sun. There was an announcement that the seating capacity was 34 people and that they would call people from the waiting list. Around 8:40am, they called a few names from the list (maybe 6 total). I was not one of them. Oh well. I probably could have made the 10:00am session (as they were rolling over the remaining wait-listed names), but I already had another commitment scheduled.
Betty and Richard were outside the trailer for a few minutes taking pictures and signing autographs. Here are a few pics:
I've seen three of the Top Chef contestants now. Patty and I spotted Season 2 runner-up Marcel Vigneron last year during a trip to Vegas.
My 10:00am commitment was a Thunderbird volunteer event called ThunderCares Day. Prior to the event, we were given a choice of volunteer opportunities. I ended up getting my first choice, which was volunteering for the Children’s Angel Foundation Thrift & Boutique.
All of the proceeds from this store benefit the infants, children, and young adults who are served through Hacienda HealthCare. Hacienda HealthCare, through its affiliates, Hacienda, and Los Niños Hospital, is the leading provider of specialized services for medically fragile and chronically ill infants, children and young adults in Arizona.
Our group was given a choice a duties, and I ended up volunteering to vacuum the store. I actually enjoy vacuuming (I vacuum our house at least once a week), so this fit perfectly! Others in the group helped out with sorting and cleaning the merchandise.
After lunch, most of us headed to Cherry Blossom Noodle Cafe for lunch. I enjoyed a bowl of udon soup, panko spanish mackerel, and green tea milk.
Places mentioned:
Children's Angel Foundation Thrift & Boutique
4648 N 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Cherry Blossom Noodle Cafe
914 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85014
I arrived at 7:45am and there was already a line of about 25 people (at 8:30am, there were probably over 100 people). I put my name on a waiting list and waited...in the sun. There was an announcement that the seating capacity was 34 people and that they would call people from the waiting list. Around 8:40am, they called a few names from the list (maybe 6 total). I was not one of them. Oh well. I probably could have made the 10:00am session (as they were rolling over the remaining wait-listed names), but I already had another commitment scheduled.
Betty and Richard were outside the trailer for a few minutes taking pictures and signing autographs. Here are a few pics:
I've seen three of the Top Chef contestants now. Patty and I spotted Season 2 runner-up Marcel Vigneron last year during a trip to Vegas.
My 10:00am commitment was a Thunderbird volunteer event called ThunderCares Day. Prior to the event, we were given a choice of volunteer opportunities. I ended up getting my first choice, which was volunteering for the Children’s Angel Foundation Thrift & Boutique.
All of the proceeds from this store benefit the infants, children, and young adults who are served through Hacienda HealthCare. Hacienda HealthCare, through its affiliates, Hacienda, and Los Niños Hospital, is the leading provider of specialized services for medically fragile and chronically ill infants, children and young adults in Arizona.
Our group was given a choice a duties, and I ended up volunteering to vacuum the store. I actually enjoy vacuuming (I vacuum our house at least once a week), so this fit perfectly! Others in the group helped out with sorting and cleaning the merchandise.
After lunch, most of us headed to Cherry Blossom Noodle Cafe for lunch. I enjoyed a bowl of udon soup, panko spanish mackerel, and green tea milk.
Places mentioned:
Children's Angel Foundation Thrift & Boutique
4648 N 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Cherry Blossom Noodle Cafe
914 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
On my own for the next few weeks...
Just dropped off Patty @ the airport...she's headed back to Taiwan for six weeks (she hasn't been home since November of last year).
My biggest worry is...what am I going to eat now?!? ;-)
We usually share cooking duties...cooking for two is pretty simple, but for one it's a pain!
Oh well...I foresee many meals consisting of a delicious bowl of cereal (see this post about my cereal addiction)...no prep and minimal clean-up involved...hahahahha...
My biggest worry is...what am I going to eat now?!? ;-)
We usually share cooking duties...cooking for two is pretty simple, but for one it's a pain!
Oh well...I foresee many meals consisting of a delicious bowl of cereal (see this post about my cereal addiction)...no prep and minimal clean-up involved...hahahahha...
Friday, July 4, 2008
Off for a weekend "getaway"
Happy 4th of July!
We're headed to the other side of town...taking advantage of the summer rates!
Tonight we'll be staying at the Hotel Indigo Scottsdale and tomorrow we'll be at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort.
We're headed to the other side of town...taking advantage of the summer rates!
Tonight we'll be staying at the Hotel Indigo Scottsdale and tomorrow we'll be at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Headed to India!
Just found out today that I'll be heading to India in September (for work) This is soooo cool! I've always wanted to go to India...
I'm not looking forward to getting a bunch of vaccinations though. =(
I'm not looking forward to getting a bunch of vaccinations though. =(
Sunday, June 22, 2008
A Packed Weekend
We had the busiest weekend ever...lots of food involved so it was a good kind of "busy".
Friday night we had dinner at Pizza A Metro (my posting about the visit). Great stuff, highly recommended.
Saturday afternoon, I had my monthly volunteering event (for Washington Street Foundation). We went to see Valley Youth Theatre's production of Cinderella at the Herberger Theater. It was a pretty good show (much better than sitting/suffering through A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail a few months ago =)
After the volunteer event, I met up with Patty at a going away party for one of her co-workers. We only stayed for a little while before rushing off to meet my some of my co-workers for dinner.
This past weekend was the grand opening of The Dhaba. The owners of the restaurant are Thunderbird alumni, so we were there to show our support. The food was great (we all shared the food so I'm not really sure what we ordered). They had a few belly dancers on hand for the festivities. Here are a few pictures:
Sunday morning, we met up with some more T-Bird friends for dim sum at Great Wall. Great Wall has pretty reliable dim sum and it's the only decent place in the West Valley. We enjoyed a ton of food...
After lunch, we headed to Tempe to see My Fair Lady at ASU's Gammage Auditorium.
The show was good, though it a bit too long (a total running time of around 3 hours). I was kind of disappointed that the understudy (Dana Delisa) was performing the role of Eliza Doolittle. I had read a few great reviews of Lisa O'Hare's performance of Eliza. Doh! Delisa's performance seemed pretty average for me. That's what we get for seeing a Sunday matinee...oh well. I thought Tim Jerome (Arthur Doolittle) and Justin Bohon (Freddy Eynsford-Hill) gave fantastic performances. I do have to admit that both Patty and I did end up falling asleep during parts of the show...we must have been tired from eating too much for lunch! Overall, it was good, although it was a bit of a let down (on par w/ Rent). I thought it was going to be a fantastic show (like Phantom, Les Mis, Miss Saigon, and Oliver).
Time for some rest!!!
Places mentioned:
Pizza A Metro
2336 W. Thomas Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85015
The Dhaba
1872 E Apache Blvd.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Great Wall
3446 W. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85017
Friday night we had dinner at Pizza A Metro (my posting about the visit). Great stuff, highly recommended.
Saturday afternoon, I had my monthly volunteering event (for Washington Street Foundation). We went to see Valley Youth Theatre's production of Cinderella at the Herberger Theater. It was a pretty good show (much better than sitting/suffering through A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail a few months ago =)
After the volunteer event, I met up with Patty at a going away party for one of her co-workers. We only stayed for a little while before rushing off to meet my some of my co-workers for dinner.
This past weekend was the grand opening of The Dhaba. The owners of the restaurant are Thunderbird alumni, so we were there to show our support. The food was great (we all shared the food so I'm not really sure what we ordered). They had a few belly dancers on hand for the festivities. Here are a few pictures:
Sunday morning, we met up with some more T-Bird friends for dim sum at Great Wall. Great Wall has pretty reliable dim sum and it's the only decent place in the West Valley. We enjoyed a ton of food...
After lunch, we headed to Tempe to see My Fair Lady at ASU's Gammage Auditorium.
The show was good, though it a bit too long (a total running time of around 3 hours). I was kind of disappointed that the understudy (Dana Delisa) was performing the role of Eliza Doolittle. I had read a few great reviews of Lisa O'Hare's performance of Eliza. Doh! Delisa's performance seemed pretty average for me. That's what we get for seeing a Sunday matinee...oh well. I thought Tim Jerome (Arthur Doolittle) and Justin Bohon (Freddy Eynsford-Hill) gave fantastic performances. I do have to admit that both Patty and I did end up falling asleep during parts of the show...we must have been tired from eating too much for lunch! Overall, it was good, although it was a bit of a let down (on par w/ Rent). I thought it was going to be a fantastic show (like Phantom, Les Mis, Miss Saigon, and Oliver).
Time for some rest!!!
Places mentioned:
Pizza A Metro
2336 W. Thomas Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85015
The Dhaba
1872 E Apache Blvd.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Great Wall
3446 W. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85017
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Insanely HOT
The official (reported) high today was 115 degrees.
Here's a pic from my car display (taken @ ~4:30pm):
Do you see that??? 119 degrees!!! It was actually reading 120 right before I snapped the picture.
I spent the afternoon in downtown Phoenix (for my monthly volunteering event). Downtown Phoenix is pretty much one giant cement heat island. Actually, the whole valley is a massive heat island. It's just worse in downtown Phoenix. As I was walking to and from my car, I experienced the most intense heat I have ever experienced in my life (and I've already been through 10 summers here). It was seriously uncomfortable...like when you open the door of a hot oven and the heat hits your body. I really don't see how light rail is going to work in this city. The shade structures that they have built at the stops seem like they provide minimal coverage.
Terrible...it's only the second day of summer...
Here's a pic from my car display (taken @ ~4:30pm):
Do you see that??? 119 degrees!!! It was actually reading 120 right before I snapped the picture.
I spent the afternoon in downtown Phoenix (for my monthly volunteering event). Downtown Phoenix is pretty much one giant cement heat island. Actually, the whole valley is a massive heat island. It's just worse in downtown Phoenix. As I was walking to and from my car, I experienced the most intense heat I have ever experienced in my life (and I've already been through 10 summers here). It was seriously uncomfortable...like when you open the door of a hot oven and the heat hits your body. I really don't see how light rail is going to work in this city. The shade structures that they have built at the stops seem like they provide minimal coverage.
Terrible...it's only the second day of summer...
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Handy Andy
I just finished up a minor home improvement project today.
Since moving in to our house, we've always complained that the "toilet" room in our master bath is too dark. I'm sure we're not the only ones, but we do a bit of reading in there now and then... =)
This past weekend we finally decided to replace the light fixture. It was a small, cheap dome light, flush with the ceiling. We went to Lowe's and found a nice looking pendant light. As I was uninstalling the old light fixture, I found a little surprise waiting for me...a nice hole, adjacent to the hole for the light fixture (the old fixture conveniently covered this hole). Thank you very much to the installer for doing such a quality job!
Here's a pic of the fine work by the original installer:
The new fixture would not cover this hole, so it was back to Lowe's to buy some spackling and a patch kit. The bright side of this - I got to learn how to repair drywall!
Here's the new light fixture:
It's sooooo nice! We now have a bright light in the perfect position...for reading...hahaha. Another thing that's kind of cool is that the perimeter of the fixture has small holes which throw off little specks of light around the ceiling. You can kind of see them in this picture:
Yeah! Scratch another one off the list! I think that's it for small ones. About a month ago, I finally got around to installing a ceiling fan in our master bedroom. Here's a pic:
Next up: more bathroom improvements!
We want to change out the hideous Hollywood lights above the vanities in both of our bathrooms. The ones that are in almost all newer homes today...
Another project is replacing the frameless rectangular mirrors (which cover a major portion of the walls), with framed mirrors.
Do you have a ceiling fan that needs to be installed?
How about a new light fixture?
Hole in the drywall?!?
Let me know! I'll work for (good) food...
Since moving in to our house, we've always complained that the "toilet" room in our master bath is too dark. I'm sure we're not the only ones, but we do a bit of reading in there now and then... =)
This past weekend we finally decided to replace the light fixture. It was a small, cheap dome light, flush with the ceiling. We went to Lowe's and found a nice looking pendant light. As I was uninstalling the old light fixture, I found a little surprise waiting for me...a nice hole, adjacent to the hole for the light fixture (the old fixture conveniently covered this hole). Thank you very much to the installer for doing such a quality job!
Here's a pic of the fine work by the original installer:
The new fixture would not cover this hole, so it was back to Lowe's to buy some spackling and a patch kit. The bright side of this - I got to learn how to repair drywall!
Here's the new light fixture:
It's sooooo nice! We now have a bright light in the perfect position...for reading...hahaha. Another thing that's kind of cool is that the perimeter of the fixture has small holes which throw off little specks of light around the ceiling. You can kind of see them in this picture:
Yeah! Scratch another one off the list! I think that's it for small ones. About a month ago, I finally got around to installing a ceiling fan in our master bedroom. Here's a pic:
Next up: more bathroom improvements!
We want to change out the hideous Hollywood lights above the vanities in both of our bathrooms. The ones that are in almost all newer homes today...
Another project is replacing the frameless rectangular mirrors (which cover a major portion of the walls), with framed mirrors.
Do you have a ceiling fan that needs to be installed?
How about a new light fixture?
Hole in the drywall?!?
Let me know! I'll work for (good) food...
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Another car update
Got a call from the dealer at 5:40pm saying that my car would be done today. It was too late too make it out there before they closed today and I'm leaving for Seattle early tomorrow morning, so I won't be able to pick it up my car until next Tuesday.
The service adviser also mentioned that they installed a new windshield. (what the heck?)
He explained that while they were using a tool during the repair, they accidentally cracked the windshield. The guy sounded so chipper while he was telling me I had a "new windshield...paid for by us". Woo hoo! I'm thrilled. Actually, quite the opposite -a replaced windshield means they had to break the original factory seal, which can lead to all kinds of problems if not done correctly. Oh well...can't do much about it.
The service adviser also mentioned that they installed a new windshield. (what the heck?)
He explained that while they were using a tool during the repair, they accidentally cracked the windshield. The guy sounded so chipper while he was telling me I had a "new windshield...paid for by us". Woo hoo! I'm thrilled. Actually, quite the opposite -a replaced windshield means they had to break the original factory seal, which can lead to all kinds of problems if not done correctly. Oh well...can't do much about it.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Car update
My car is still at the dealer...
I stopped at the dealer last Thursday to pick up a (complimentary) loaner car. Here what I got:
No complaints...it's an '08 A-4 S-line. =)
It seems pretty similar to my car (which is a '05.5). I haven't really driven it hard but I don't notice much of a difference in terms of improved performance. I believe it's the same engine, just tuned differently. The interior has paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and aluminum knobs on the radio.
Up to the day I picked up the loaner, the dealer still had no idea what was wrong with the car (after 4 days). The next day, I got a call from the service advisor saying that it was the TCM (transmission control module) and that it would be another "week or so" (as the part is coming from Germany).
We'll see...
I stopped at the dealer last Thursday to pick up a (complimentary) loaner car. Here what I got:
No complaints...it's an '08 A-4 S-line. =)
It seems pretty similar to my car (which is a '05.5). I haven't really driven it hard but I don't notice much of a difference in terms of improved performance. I believe it's the same engine, just tuned differently. The interior has paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and aluminum knobs on the radio.
Up to the day I picked up the loaner, the dealer still had no idea what was wrong with the car (after 4 days). The next day, I got a call from the service advisor saying that it was the TCM (transmission control module) and that it would be another "week or so" (as the part is coming from Germany).
We'll see...
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Lucky to be alive
Yesterday was not a fun day.
We were headed to a friend's house for a barbeque. After about ten minutes of driving, the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) indicator light came on. I asked Patty to check out the manual to see if it was something serious. Due to a lane closure, the traffic on the highway was stop-and-go. We continued driving for another five minutes and then at one of the short stops, the dreaded "Check Engine" light came on and after I pressed on the accelerator, the car wouldn't move.
CRAP! PANIC! We were stopped in the middle lane of I-10 (a major interstate highway).
No...stay calm...
I turned off the engine and tried again. No luck. I first called DPS to let them know that we were stopped in the roadway. Then I called Audi Roadside Assistance.
A DPS officer came after about 10 minutes. He blocked off traffic and pushed me (using his patrol car) to the side of the road.
As we waited for the tow truck to come, two DPS patrol cars stopped by to see if we were ok. Thank you DPS!
The tow truck came after two hours of waiting (it was about 100 degrees outside and we were roasting in the car). The tow truck was held up in traffic as well, getting to us. Luckily, we had brought a bottle of water along for the ride...
Here's a pic of the car being loaded onto the tow truck (note the traffic in the background):
We arrived at the Audi dealer just as they were closing for the night (and right before they had closed the gates to the parking lot). So lucky...
The tow truck driver unloaded the car. I noticed as he was unloading the car that one of the rear tires went over the truck bed edge rail. I didn't think it was a big deal at the time...
I tipped him and he left. Then I put my key in an envelope and dropped off the key in an "overnight key drop slot".
As were we walking by the car again, we noticed a hissing sound...what the heck...?
CRAP! (#2)
Here's a picture of the tire (see the gash near the "M"...):
Here's the completely deflated tire after five minutes of slow "hissing"...
I called the towing company and they called the driver back (we had to wait about forty five minutes).
Lots of details that I left out in between (involving retrieving the key back from the slot, etc.)...anyways - I don't want to rehash my nightmare. I was more than ready for the day to end.
Although we had a terrible experience, I think we were actually very lucky in many ways. If the car would have stopped in the middle of the highway under normal highway conditions (with normal traffic flow), we could have very easily been rear-ended and things would have turned out far worse.
So while it was (and still is) an inconvenience, I am so thankful that we were able to walk away safely!
We were headed to a friend's house for a barbeque. After about ten minutes of driving, the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) indicator light came on. I asked Patty to check out the manual to see if it was something serious. Due to a lane closure, the traffic on the highway was stop-and-go. We continued driving for another five minutes and then at one of the short stops, the dreaded "Check Engine" light came on and after I pressed on the accelerator, the car wouldn't move.
CRAP! PANIC! We were stopped in the middle lane of I-10 (a major interstate highway).
No...stay calm...
I turned off the engine and tried again. No luck. I first called DPS to let them know that we were stopped in the roadway. Then I called Audi Roadside Assistance.
A DPS officer came after about 10 minutes. He blocked off traffic and pushed me (using his patrol car) to the side of the road.
As we waited for the tow truck to come, two DPS patrol cars stopped by to see if we were ok. Thank you DPS!
The tow truck came after two hours of waiting (it was about 100 degrees outside and we were roasting in the car). The tow truck was held up in traffic as well, getting to us. Luckily, we had brought a bottle of water along for the ride...
Here's a pic of the car being loaded onto the tow truck (note the traffic in the background):
We arrived at the Audi dealer just as they were closing for the night (and right before they had closed the gates to the parking lot). So lucky...
The tow truck driver unloaded the car. I noticed as he was unloading the car that one of the rear tires went over the truck bed edge rail. I didn't think it was a big deal at the time...
I tipped him and he left. Then I put my key in an envelope and dropped off the key in an "overnight key drop slot".
As were we walking by the car again, we noticed a hissing sound...what the heck...?
CRAP! (#2)
Here's a picture of the tire (see the gash near the "M"...):
Here's the completely deflated tire after five minutes of slow "hissing"...
I called the towing company and they called the driver back (we had to wait about forty five minutes).
Lots of details that I left out in between (involving retrieving the key back from the slot, etc.)...anyways - I don't want to rehash my nightmare. I was more than ready for the day to end.
Although we had a terrible experience, I think we were actually very lucky in many ways. If the car would have stopped in the middle of the highway under normal highway conditions (with normal traffic flow), we could have very easily been rear-ended and things would have turned out far worse.
So while it was (and still is) an inconvenience, I am so thankful that we were able to walk away safely!
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