Sunday, May 25, 2008
Week Past 05/19-05/25/08 (Passport/Tornado)
Fri 05/23 I had to work on my Passport renewal through the mail. The Philippine Consulate is in Chicago. Don't want to drive, don't have time. The mail in renewal form needs to be notarized. The notary service here is far different compared in the Philippines. I just went to the bank where I have an account and have it notarized for free. It's quick. Hassle free. Back home you need to look for an attorney who is licensed to notarize public documents. Then you have to pay a fee depending on how many pages you have on your document. Their offices are usually the hole in the wall type. Mostly located near City Hall where people transacting business with the local government might need their services.
The Post Office does not take credit card for money order as payment ($55) for the renewal fee. Only cash or debit card. I had to go back to the bank's ATM to withdraw. I realized that since I've been using credit card there are times that I don't even have a single $ in my wallet. Not advisable.
After going over the requirement checklist and making sure it's inside the envelope I was finally able to mail my application. Now the waiting part. I've done this 5 years ago and did not have any problem. Keeping my fingers crossed that alls well.
Sun 05/25 there were reported tornado touchdown near Minneapolis. A number of houses were destroyed. Luckily it was nowhere near our area. With spring turning to summer it's tornado and thunderstorm to look out for.
This weekend is supposed to be along weekend with Mon 05/26 being a Memorial Day, a Holiday. Just my luck I'm working the whole week.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Week Past 05/12-05/18/08(Garage Sale/Porch)
Tue 05/13 gas price was at $3.69. I'm not surprised but concerned. It's going up fast to $4.00. My last entry on 04/20 it was at $3.39. A 0.30 increase in a month!
This week I had two consecutive days off Thu 05/15 and Fri 05/16 after working nine straight days. Ugh. Having two consecutive days off gives me that mind set that I can start a project one day and still get a rest the following day. So I decided to start on the three season porch. It's time to sand and stain the ledges and flooring to protect it from the elements. Besides I bought a palm sander about two months ago and I still have to learn how it works. Never had one before just my elbow power. But with this project I will need mechanical help.
This week I had two consecutive days off Thu 05/15 and Fri 05/16 after working nine straight days. Ugh. Having two consecutive days off gives me that mind set that I can start a project one day and still get a rest the following day. So I decided to start on the three season porch. It's time to sand and stain the ledges and flooring to protect it from the elements. Besides I bought a palm sander about two months ago and I still have to learn how it works. Never had one before just my elbow power. But with this project I will need mechanical help.
Thu 05/15 as planned I started doing the porch. Started late at 11:00 am and worked on it for about 8 hours and I only covered a third of it. The sander worked fine and I'm getting good at it.
Fri 05/16 when I woke up my quads were aching and my lower back stiff. That's what you get for spending much of your time squatting and stooping. I thought a good run on the treadmill and a steambath would do the trick. So off to the gym to warm up and stretch. It helped. But I noticed that if I keep still for a while like stretched out on a sofa my quads become stiff. So I had to stand up slow. Must be the lactic acid in the muscles. By Sun 05/18 it's almost gone. It's good I had the Fri off for rest and recovery. Golden boys really need a good rest after a hard days work.
Fri 05/16 was also the pre-garage sale in our community (Sat 05/17 was the actual garage sale day). But early birds get the best bargain. We accompanied some of W's staff who were on the look out for bargains. First time that I went around for a garage sale. There were lots of people driving around their SUVs, beamers and mercedes. We ended up eating late dinner at a Chinese buffet. The waiters were waiting for us to be done since we were the last customers. We closed the restaurant so to speak. Then I don't know why we ended up talking in front of the restaurant for almost an hour. I told W we should've just invited them back home for coffee. They were engrossed they forgot the time. That ended the day.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Week Past 05/05-05/11/08 (Mother's Day/Long Week)
Sun 05/11 is Mother's Day. Like a dutiful son, Sat 05/10, I called my mom in LA because I have work Sun.
Also Sun some senior staff of W volunteered to help in clearing the backyard from our wood cuttings. It's more of an excuse to hang out together and eat. That's what I came home to after work. They were preparing dinner and bantering. Pic at left shows the group almost done with the repast. A chair is empty. Wonder who is missing?
This is a long week for me. Started my work day Tue 05/06 and my day off won't be until Thu 05/15 next week. I have a new staff coming on board and I still have to train her. Short entry long week.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Week Past 04/28-05/04/08 (60K Maintenance-RePave)
Mon 04/28 was my car's 60K maintenance. Another drain in the pocket but (I hope) worth it.. I believe following your car's scheduled maintenance will keep your vehicle trouble free. Saving you money by avoiding costly repairs if not properly maintained. In my case getting a new engine block for free . The dealer saw my maintenance log is "immaculate". So when I had that engine trouble and it was after the warranty coverage they replaced the engine. But still whatever notion of reliability I have for that make is all but gone...shattered...kaput
Sun 05/04 I had to redo the paver I didMon 04/14 because the color was different from the pavers already installed. W noticed it.!#@!*?. Back to the drawing board. Transferred the pavers to another location where it matched. It's spring... it's summer...thunderstorms...yard work...tis another season...it's still in the 60's though but I like it.
Sun 05/04 I had to redo the paver I did
