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| Office Wall |
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| Office Wall |
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Office Flooring
This is a big job but someone has to do it and it looks like it is going to be me. Well, not exactly. Vasily is coming to do the actual installation but I am doing all the grunt work. What does that involve?, you might ask. Well, it means removing everything from the room, cleaning the walls, painting with primer then final coat. Then after all that is complete, I will rip out the carpeting and the current baseboard. Then it is on to primer and then final coat.
Suwanna Birthday
Su Zhen was so nice to invite me over for dinner on Friday. It was going to be beans and rice otherwise. I was commissioned to purchase a cake. Not a chocolate cake or any other typical American style cake which would have been way too sweet. Nope, it was going to be a fruit cake. But there was a problem. I needed to have the cake people at Bel Air Market write Happy Birthday Suwanna on top of the cake. No can do, they said. Wouldn't work on this cake. Okay, then a pink plastic sign would just have to do.
We had a nice dinner courtesy of Yummy Kitchen in Folsom, followed by the cake. Then it was on to play on the Wii with Tansy and Emily. I still haven't gotten the hang of interacting with the Wii but it was fun seeing me try and balance myself and then play some games. Last time I weighed myself and Emily called out in her cute little voice, "You're fat!" It sounded so cute the way she said it with half her teeth missing from her mouth so I asked her to repeat it. The second time she was a little shy. Well, she wasn't shy today.
"You're fat!", she yelled out laughing. Okay, I get it now.
We had a nice dinner courtesy of Yummy Kitchen in Folsom, followed by the cake. Then it was on to play on the Wii with Tansy and Emily. I still haven't gotten the hang of interacting with the Wii but it was fun seeing me try and balance myself and then play some games. Last time I weighed myself and Emily called out in her cute little voice, "You're fat!" It sounded so cute the way she said it with half her teeth missing from her mouth so I asked her to repeat it. The second time she was a little shy. Well, she wasn't shy today.
"You're fat!", she yelled out laughing. Okay, I get it now.
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| Suwanna and Famly |
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| Tansy and Emily |
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| Chinese Food from Yummy Kitchen |
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| With Tansy |
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| With Emily |
Talking With Strangers
One of the reasons I signed up to be an Unfranchise Business Owner with Market America was to push myself to do things I normally wouldn't do. Since I spend a lot of time in front of the computer, I felt I needed to socialize a bit more and this business is all about networking.
First goal is to get more customers. I would like to shoot for 10 customers a month. I feel that is doable.
In any case, I went to a computer training at Annie Chen's house on 7/22/2011 which happens to be located off of Riley Street in Folsom. The training finished at about 9:45 PM. But I stuck around until about 10:30 PM talking with Su Zhen and letting Su Zhen and Annie talk to wifey on the phone about various issues relating to the Unfranchise Business back end.
Winco is conveniently located on Blue Ravine which is on the way to Annie's house. I like Winco because it is open 24/7 which suits my style. The only drawback is that late at night is when they are restocking the store so there are forklifts moving around and people rushing around scanning products as they reload the shelves. No problem. I can deal with that. I grabbed a shopping cart and started strolling through the store. First stop was my favorite section - the produce section. I passed through some overpriced apples and was about to check out the packaged lettuce when I spotted a middle aged couple in the same area. Were they speaking Chinese? Yes, they were. I know this because my ears are very sensitive to language, especially languages I am familiar with. "Should I speak to them about Market America?", I asked myself. "What's the worst that could happen to me?"
I continued debating the possibilities as I left them to head over to the cereal section. Here was my opportunity. I spotted them again in the bakery section and told myself that it was now or never.
In Chinese: "Excuse me, do you speak Chinese?" They were surprised to see an American speaking Mandarin but they were friendly right off the bat. I told them all about Market America (I later learned from Su Zhen not to tell people too much at first as that might scare people off). But the truth is my style is always to be up front from the get go because then I never have to worry about there being any misunderstandings. Nobody could ever accuse me of not being forthright.
I had the husband call my cell phone. He was all ready to sign up once I explained that it was free and there was absolutely no risk involved. The next day I went to a birthday party for Suwanna and at that time I decided to call him right in front of Su Zhen. He wasn't home so I left a message. It turns out that he called me back right away but somehow I didn't hear the cell phone ring. He not only left his email, he left his PO box. Wow!
When I got home, I immediately sent him an invite from my preferred customer back end. I also told him that I would like him to meet wifey and pumpkin after they come back from Taiwan. After he signed up, he said he was going on a short vacation but will return early August. Perfect! My first customer and probably a friend too!
First goal is to get more customers. I would like to shoot for 10 customers a month. I feel that is doable.
In any case, I went to a computer training at Annie Chen's house on 7/22/2011 which happens to be located off of Riley Street in Folsom. The training finished at about 9:45 PM. But I stuck around until about 10:30 PM talking with Su Zhen and letting Su Zhen and Annie talk to wifey on the phone about various issues relating to the Unfranchise Business back end.
Winco is conveniently located on Blue Ravine which is on the way to Annie's house. I like Winco because it is open 24/7 which suits my style. The only drawback is that late at night is when they are restocking the store so there are forklifts moving around and people rushing around scanning products as they reload the shelves. No problem. I can deal with that. I grabbed a shopping cart and started strolling through the store. First stop was my favorite section - the produce section. I passed through some overpriced apples and was about to check out the packaged lettuce when I spotted a middle aged couple in the same area. Were they speaking Chinese? Yes, they were. I know this because my ears are very sensitive to language, especially languages I am familiar with. "Should I speak to them about Market America?", I asked myself. "What's the worst that could happen to me?"
I continued debating the possibilities as I left them to head over to the cereal section. Here was my opportunity. I spotted them again in the bakery section and told myself that it was now or never.
In Chinese: "Excuse me, do you speak Chinese?" They were surprised to see an American speaking Mandarin but they were friendly right off the bat. I told them all about Market America (I later learned from Su Zhen not to tell people too much at first as that might scare people off). But the truth is my style is always to be up front from the get go because then I never have to worry about there being any misunderstandings. Nobody could ever accuse me of not being forthright.
I had the husband call my cell phone. He was all ready to sign up once I explained that it was free and there was absolutely no risk involved. The next day I went to a birthday party for Suwanna and at that time I decided to call him right in front of Su Zhen. He wasn't home so I left a message. It turns out that he called me back right away but somehow I didn't hear the cell phone ring. He not only left his email, he left his PO box. Wow!
When I got home, I immediately sent him an invite from my preferred customer back end. I also told him that I would like him to meet wifey and pumpkin after they come back from Taiwan. After he signed up, he said he was going on a short vacation but will return early August. Perfect! My first customer and probably a friend too!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Give Stuff Away and They Will Come
The side of the house was getting to be a mess and I had promised myself that before wifey and pumpkin came back, I would have the whole house cleaned up and then some.
What is the fastest way to get rid of stuff? Give it away and they will come. I posted the ad on craigs list on 7/20 at 6:34 PM and at 6:35 PM, the emails started coming in, first a trickle and then an avalanche. By 6:40 PM I had counted 150 emails. I quickly contacted the first person that had responded. His name was Fernando. I was all prepared to speak in Spanish but his English was good. He promised to come the next day at 4 PM.
Meanwhile, I had some desperate emails. Some wanted the step exerciser. Another wanted the woman's bike. And someone else was begging me for the child's booster seat - $17 at Walmart. There is a lot of desperation and pain out there.
Next day as promised, Fernando came with his brother. They were so grateful to take the stuff away. He told me to call him if I ever had anything else to give away. I waved goodbye as I saw my old bathtub being hauled away in an old Chevy pickup.
Here is the actual ad with notations and link to slideshow on what was going to be picked up:
PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL ME AT THIS TIME ASKING WHAT IS AVAILABLE. SOMEONE HAS ALREADY MADE A CLAIM FOR MOST OF THE ITEMS TO PICK UP TOMORROW. IF ANY ITEMS ARE NOT PICKED UP BY TOMORROW AFTERNOON, I WILL CONTACT THE NEXT PERSON DOWN THE LIST WHO RESPONDED TO THIS AD.
Item #1: Rabbit Cage
Item #2: Wheelbarrow (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #3: Bathroom Faucets (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #4: Trail Gator Bicycle Tow Bar (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #5: Metal Bath Tub (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #6: Step Exerciser (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #7: Hand Push Mower (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #8: Woman's Bicycle (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #9: Child Booster Seat
View complete descriptions and pictures in my photobucket album:
http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee489/eldorado2768/Free%20Stuff/
Let me know what items you are interested in and with the exception of the bath tub, I will place on the side of the garage for you to pick up.
What is the fastest way to get rid of stuff? Give it away and they will come. I posted the ad on craigs list on 7/20 at 6:34 PM and at 6:35 PM, the emails started coming in, first a trickle and then an avalanche. By 6:40 PM I had counted 150 emails. I quickly contacted the first person that had responded. His name was Fernando. I was all prepared to speak in Spanish but his English was good. He promised to come the next day at 4 PM.
Meanwhile, I had some desperate emails. Some wanted the step exerciser. Another wanted the woman's bike. And someone else was begging me for the child's booster seat - $17 at Walmart. There is a lot of desperation and pain out there.
Next day as promised, Fernando came with his brother. They were so grateful to take the stuff away. He told me to call him if I ever had anything else to give away. I waved goodbye as I saw my old bathtub being hauled away in an old Chevy pickup.
Here is the actual ad with notations and link to slideshow on what was going to be picked up:
PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL ME AT THIS TIME ASKING WHAT IS AVAILABLE. SOMEONE HAS ALREADY MADE A CLAIM FOR MOST OF THE ITEMS TO PICK UP TOMORROW. IF ANY ITEMS ARE NOT PICKED UP BY TOMORROW AFTERNOON, I WILL CONTACT THE NEXT PERSON DOWN THE LIST WHO RESPONDED TO THIS AD.
Item #1: Rabbit Cage
Item #2: Wheelbarrow (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #3: Bathroom Faucets (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #4: Trail Gator Bicycle Tow Bar (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #5: Metal Bath Tub (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #6: Step Exerciser (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #7: Hand Push Mower (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #8: Woman's Bicycle (Claimed for pick up 7/21/2011 at 4 PM)
Item #9: Child Booster Seat
View complete descriptions and pictures in my photobucket album:
http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee489/eldorado2768/Free%20Stuff/
Let me know what items you are interested in and with the exception of the bath tub, I will place on the side of the garage for you to pick up.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Backyard Gardening
The jasmine vine on the side of the house was too close and it has always been my suspicion that rats were using it to climb into the attic. I decided that today was the day. Originally, I thought that maybe I could just trim it down but once I started trimming, I discovered that the branches were intertwined with the wooden lattice. And I wasn't surprised to see Christmas lights inside. In other words, it was one twisted mess.
Step one was to remove it. That was a big pain not just because there was a lot of vine to remove, but it was a tangled clump that required a lot of effort to separate and cut into smaller pieces. Fortunately, the yard waste container was empty. After about an hour, I got the vine removed and began loading it into the container.
I quickly realized that the container would not hold all the clippings so I used the sledge hammer to compress it. That wasn't good enough so I stood on top and began jumping up and down with Fluffy watching from a shaded area nearby. I was a sweaty mess when I finally got it tamped down. I pulled my leg over the container to step on the ladder but I missed the step and lost my balance. The container began to tip over and like a slow motion movie, I tipped over with it, falling on a piece of marble. The fall was slow enough for me to prepare so it was only a small bruise on my elbow. I got up and brushed myself off. Fluffy was busy tearing apart a tennis ball to bother looking over.
Step 2 was to dig a hole for a replacement bush. The bush I had picked out was one on the side of the house in a planter. Gold River is built on river rock so about a foot down, I started to hit large rocks. This slowed my progress but I was not going to accept defeat. After chipping and banging away, I dug a decent size hole that was large enough for the bush.
Last step was the easiest. I took some compost and threw it into the hole. The bush fit snuggly and I covered it up and then soaked it with the hose. Mission completed.
Step one was to remove it. That was a big pain not just because there was a lot of vine to remove, but it was a tangled clump that required a lot of effort to separate and cut into smaller pieces. Fortunately, the yard waste container was empty. After about an hour, I got the vine removed and began loading it into the container.
I quickly realized that the container would not hold all the clippings so I used the sledge hammer to compress it. That wasn't good enough so I stood on top and began jumping up and down with Fluffy watching from a shaded area nearby. I was a sweaty mess when I finally got it tamped down. I pulled my leg over the container to step on the ladder but I missed the step and lost my balance. The container began to tip over and like a slow motion movie, I tipped over with it, falling on a piece of marble. The fall was slow enough for me to prepare so it was only a small bruise on my elbow. I got up and brushed myself off. Fluffy was busy tearing apart a tennis ball to bother looking over.
Step 2 was to dig a hole for a replacement bush. The bush I had picked out was one on the side of the house in a planter. Gold River is built on river rock so about a foot down, I started to hit large rocks. This slowed my progress but I was not going to accept defeat. After chipping and banging away, I dug a decent size hole that was large enough for the bush.
Last step was the easiest. I took some compost and threw it into the hole. The bush fit snuggly and I covered it up and then soaked it with the hose. Mission completed.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Lollicup is Out of Business
I don't usually go out of my way to enjoy a Boba tea but if I happen to be nearby, I have been known to stop in for a drink. Just the act of poking a fat straw through the sealed plastic rim of a freshly made tapioca or milk tea drink is fun.
Yesterday I paid a visit to the Radio Shack across from Target and decided to stop by for a milk tea. But alas, the sign said closed even though it was only around 5:30 PM. I peeked inside and sure enough, the store had been cleaned out. That really pissed me off because there is nothing else like it in Rancho Cordova. I suppose I could have gotten a cold Starbucks mocha from the refrigerated section of Grocery Outlet next door but it isn't the same.
Yesterday I paid a visit to the Radio Shack across from Target and decided to stop by for a milk tea. But alas, the sign said closed even though it was only around 5:30 PM. I peeked inside and sure enough, the store had been cleaned out. That really pissed me off because there is nothing else like it in Rancho Cordova. I suppose I could have gotten a cold Starbucks mocha from the refrigerated section of Grocery Outlet next door but it isn't the same.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Fluffy Throws Up
We were out on the trail today, on our way to Bel Air Market and all of a sudden Fluffy started throwing up. I am going to guess she must have snacked on some weed or plant she wasn't supposed to touch and that was a big mistake. Google map shows exact place where it happened.
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| Fluffy dumping on the trail |
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