It looks like Mahall's 20 Lanes is starting up the Rock-A Bowl again. There's one tonight--no idea on the band, but the price is still $10 for the show, bowling and pool from 10pm-2am. This is an irregularly scheduled and promoted event that's been going on for about 6 years. I've been a couple of times and loved it, but you really have to go with other people for the most fun.
Mahall's was last renovated around 1958, so it's the perfect atmosphere for rockabilly.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
In Which I Turn The Other Cheek, But Still Harbor Rage And Hate In My Heart
Dusie talked me out of calling the cops on the neighbors last night. She told me I was having an attack of The Don, channeling the rage into a fight I don't have time to win. That on Thursday I'll be ensconced at the Marlboro Mesa, new life, blah blah, and to let it go. Turn it all into writing material. She's right, I guess.
Fuckers did burn my chairs though.
PS--I just got a call back from Fire Prevention. The rules for noncooking fires are they have to be 25 feet from any structure, no burning wood scraps, brush, etc. They won't get a ticket. The fire inspector will just come out, catch them in the act and make them dowse the fire.
Fuckers did burn my chairs though.
PS--I just got a call back from Fire Prevention. The rules for noncooking fires are they have to be 25 feet from any structure, no burning wood scraps, brush, etc. They won't get a ticket. The fire inspector will just come out, catch them in the act and make them dowse the fire.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Fuel For The Fire (In More Ways Than One)
So I've been putting out things on the curb so that people can pick them up. It's an accepted practice in my suburb that if you have usable stuff you can put it out on the treelawn before trash day and 9 times out of 10, it gets a new home.
I had a pair of green oak kitchen chairs I bought at the Medina Flea Market a long time ago for $20, very sturdy and with lots of life left in them. No place for them in the house, so I put them on the curb.
I went over today to check out the neighbor's fire circle and what do I see? My green chairs. Along with a lot of brush and spare wood which I guess is their fuel for their bonfires.
So when I call the cops on them for the illegal burning, it is going to be ever sweeter. Nice weather this week! Hope I catch them!
They've taken my treelawn stuff before, notably an ottoman I recovered and a bookcase, and that's fine, but this just frosts me.
I'm hard on the performance artists for valid reasons. They are so self-centered there could be a van parked in my drive marked "We Steals Yur Copper Pipes" and they would just turn a blind eye. They are annoying. They are pompous and don't grasp the rules of suburban living apply to their specialness. They don't give out Halloween candy. They talk too loud and too late into the night, and thank god they've moved the parties to the woods.
I had a pair of green oak kitchen chairs I bought at the Medina Flea Market a long time ago for $20, very sturdy and with lots of life left in them. No place for them in the house, so I put them on the curb.
I went over today to check out the neighbor's fire circle and what do I see? My green chairs. Along with a lot of brush and spare wood which I guess is their fuel for their bonfires.
So when I call the cops on them for the illegal burning, it is going to be ever sweeter. Nice weather this week! Hope I catch them!
They've taken my treelawn stuff before, notably an ottoman I recovered and a bookcase, and that's fine, but this just frosts me.
I'm hard on the performance artists for valid reasons. They are so self-centered there could be a van parked in my drive marked "We Steals Yur Copper Pipes" and they would just turn a blind eye. They are annoying. They are pompous and don't grasp the rules of suburban living apply to their specialness. They don't give out Halloween candy. They talk too loud and too late into the night, and thank god they've moved the parties to the woods.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
In Which I Hope To Discover My Inner Meth Head Handy Girl
So, about the house...
When the real estate lady came in and asked me if I was still living there, I figured we were off to a good start because it was a big job to get the house looking like no one lived there. Feedback was good-my kitchen is big (11x11) for Lakewood, my cabinets are good, I do get lots of nice light!, nice attic, green room got a "wow!", bathroom is big and with the new tile job not unattractive, and overall with some more paint we are okay. My roof is 2007 (complete tearoff of 3 layers of asphalt and the original cedar shakes), and my furnace is from Fall 2003. Did I ever mention that the furnace in place when I bought the house was from the mid-1940's (the same age as my mom) and the size of a VW Bug?
She suggested painting my accent wall in the kitchen SW Baguette instead of BM Honolulu Blue, and she was right. It picks up the brown off my crappy floor and does make the place look more sophisticated. I would never have picked it because it's totally a baby shit brown.
What I've had done/done to get it fixed up by the time I leave, along with huge divestment of stuff: tore off wallpaper and repainted the Tuscan Nitemare room, repainted hallway & downstairs, parts of the kitchen, new cabinet knobs, got the walls leading to the basement and outside the kitchen repaired and painted, fixed the mystery plumbing leak which lead to new tile including the building of a wall and moving the light switch that had previously been located in the shower(!), got the scary bathroom ceiling textured (totally a place in hell for me for that, but it was the only quick and easy fix), painted the woodwork in my bedroom back to white, painted the porch & steps, and planted flowers.
It's all I can do.
I also called the B-Dry System people and it turns out in 1981-1982 they did the whole basement, which is good because I now have seepage from behind the west wall. Those systems are guarenteed, although I am unsure if I can get it fixed in any sort of fashion because of the paneling down there. But the next owner can take care of that--information is power.
"But Kerry," I can hear you ask, "what price did she put on it? And how long does she think it will take to sell?"
The market has picked up some, but it's still not great. Not a lot of buyers, even if The Romance Heroine almost bought a cat pee house. I found my original listing sheet for this house, and I bought it after it had been on the market for 3 months in 2001. I'm looking at up to a year. I can make it work.
The original price we're setting? It's 11% more than I bought it for in 2001. If I think about it too much, I will cry. But there is room to drop it if in this glutted market if that will just get rid of it.
I'll take pictures before I leave and put them up on Flickr with details. I do like the house more now that it's fixed up--oh, paradoxes. And it's a pleasure to take a shower now. And my inner meth head handy girl will be up all night at work.
When the real estate lady came in and asked me if I was still living there, I figured we were off to a good start because it was a big job to get the house looking like no one lived there. Feedback was good-my kitchen is big (11x11) for Lakewood, my cabinets are good, I do get lots of nice light!, nice attic, green room got a "wow!", bathroom is big and with the new tile job not unattractive, and overall with some more paint we are okay. My roof is 2007 (complete tearoff of 3 layers of asphalt and the original cedar shakes), and my furnace is from Fall 2003. Did I ever mention that the furnace in place when I bought the house was from the mid-1940's (the same age as my mom) and the size of a VW Bug?
She suggested painting my accent wall in the kitchen SW Baguette instead of BM Honolulu Blue, and she was right. It picks up the brown off my crappy floor and does make the place look more sophisticated. I would never have picked it because it's totally a baby shit brown.
What I've had done/done to get it fixed up by the time I leave, along with huge divestment of stuff: tore off wallpaper and repainted the Tuscan Nitemare room, repainted hallway & downstairs, parts of the kitchen, new cabinet knobs, got the walls leading to the basement and outside the kitchen repaired and painted, fixed the mystery plumbing leak which lead to new tile including the building of a wall and moving the light switch that had previously been located in the shower(!), got the scary bathroom ceiling textured (totally a place in hell for me for that, but it was the only quick and easy fix), painted the woodwork in my bedroom back to white, painted the porch & steps, and planted flowers.
It's all I can do.
I also called the B-Dry System people and it turns out in 1981-1982 they did the whole basement, which is good because I now have seepage from behind the west wall. Those systems are guarenteed, although I am unsure if I can get it fixed in any sort of fashion because of the paneling down there. But the next owner can take care of that--information is power.
"But Kerry," I can hear you ask, "what price did she put on it? And how long does she think it will take to sell?"
The market has picked up some, but it's still not great. Not a lot of buyers, even if The Romance Heroine almost bought a cat pee house. I found my original listing sheet for this house, and I bought it after it had been on the market for 3 months in 2001. I'm looking at up to a year. I can make it work.
The original price we're setting? It's 11% more than I bought it for in 2001. If I think about it too much, I will cry. But there is room to drop it if in this glutted market if that will just get rid of it.
I'll take pictures before I leave and put them up on Flickr with details. I do like the house more now that it's fixed up--oh, paradoxes. And it's a pleasure to take a shower now. And my inner meth head handy girl will be up all night at work.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Today's Adventures In Dating
Today's potential bachelors featured a fellow who specified that he wanted a smart girl, but not a "Nobel prize or Mensa smart girl."
It was obviously not meant to be.
It was obviously not meant to be.
Kerry Reads The Paper!
Oh come on--you didn't think I could let this article pass without comment?
Truthfully, I'm of mixed thoughts. I hope it works out for the Harris family, although they seem to be class A freaks in a bit of a manic cycle who clearly haven't thought the whole organic homesteading in Vermont thing through. Voluntary simplicity is great and a whole lot easier when you have access to services or a stream of castoff goods or a cash stash. Otherwise, it's just being poor and there's a lot of poverty in rural New England. Planning, people.
And no, no you don't have necessarily have internet access in the woods.
I have had a long term fascination with people who do this sort of thing, since I really can't. It dates to reading Louise Dickinson Rich's We Took To The Woods as a child in a Reader's Digest Condensed Books collection.
I have sympathy for their plight in attempting to give away their belongings (although giving it away to charity instead of holding a huge garage sale is dumb, no matter how you try to dress up "I can't assign a value to things!"). I've given away or sold 80% of what I own and it really took me 18 months because of indecision and emotional attachments. I had a bit of a hoarding problem too. It's very freeing in the end to not have much. What I've learned is that nothing has value once it's out of the store. If you're not picky, creative and willing to make do, you can get so much for free. There is so much in this country to scrounge.
Truthfully, I'm of mixed thoughts. I hope it works out for the Harris family, although they seem to be class A freaks in a bit of a manic cycle who clearly haven't thought the whole organic homesteading in Vermont thing through. Voluntary simplicity is great and a whole lot easier when you have access to services or a stream of castoff goods or a cash stash. Otherwise, it's just being poor and there's a lot of poverty in rural New England. Planning, people.
And no, no you don't have necessarily have internet access in the woods.
I have had a long term fascination with people who do this sort of thing, since I really can't. It dates to reading Louise Dickinson Rich's We Took To The Woods as a child in a Reader's Digest Condensed Books collection.
I have sympathy for their plight in attempting to give away their belongings (although giving it away to charity instead of holding a huge garage sale is dumb, no matter how you try to dress up "I can't assign a value to things!"). I've given away or sold 80% of what I own and it really took me 18 months because of indecision and emotional attachments. I had a bit of a hoarding problem too. It's very freeing in the end to not have much. What I've learned is that nothing has value once it's out of the store. If you're not picky, creative and willing to make do, you can get so much for free. There is so much in this country to scrounge.
The Phone, And Why You're A Liar
I was a latecomer to the joys of the cellphone, but now I'm a convert. Know why? Because even though I don't answer my phone, I can tell from the missed & received calls features that you didn't call me. Umm humm. I got your number in more ways than one, honey.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Library Meme
1. How old were you when you got your first library card?
I think I was 6 1/2--we lived in Middletown, and Aces was about a year old when we moved there, and we're 5 years apart. I remember it though. It was summer. We thought we had to pay, and I had $5 that grandma had given me that had gone through the laundry and my mom had ironed it straight. We went the 10 miles to the big library and I was so excited when all I had to do was write my name and address! I could do that! And then we found out there was a library around the corner from our house.
2. What's the first book you can remember reading from a library?
I don't remember. I do know I was reading Nancy Drew from them in the summer after 1st grade when I broke my finger and couldn't swim.
3. Did you ever participate in a summer reading program or other kids' event at a library growing up?
No kids' events at our library, but we did have summer reading. I never went to the parties or anything, but I did submot my list, which was actually incomplete--I read more than I wanted to bother writing down.
4. Do you remember when card catalogues weren't computerized?
Yes. And I remember when your library card was a typed piece of cardstock with a metal bar and the machine went chomp! when it checked books out to you.
5. When was the last time you went to the library?
Today actually--I'm painting, so I needed some audiobooks to make it go easier.
6. How many books do you usually check out of the library at one time?
Anywhere from 2-15.
7. Name one great author you've discovered at your library.
Frank Portman.
8. What was the librarian at your elementary school like?
I did not go to a school with a librarian--we had a room with books and an encyclopedia, and that was it.
9. How many times a year do you go to the library?
Bwwaahhh! On business or pleasure?
10. If you could change one thing about your library, what would it be and why?
LPL would put up some freaking signs. Now that both sides are open, I'm warming up to the design.
I think I was 6 1/2--we lived in Middletown, and Aces was about a year old when we moved there, and we're 5 years apart. I remember it though. It was summer. We thought we had to pay, and I had $5 that grandma had given me that had gone through the laundry and my mom had ironed it straight. We went the 10 miles to the big library and I was so excited when all I had to do was write my name and address! I could do that! And then we found out there was a library around the corner from our house.
2. What's the first book you can remember reading from a library?
I don't remember. I do know I was reading Nancy Drew from them in the summer after 1st grade when I broke my finger and couldn't swim.
3. Did you ever participate in a summer reading program or other kids' event at a library growing up?
No kids' events at our library, but we did have summer reading. I never went to the parties or anything, but I did submot my list, which was actually incomplete--I read more than I wanted to bother writing down.
4. Do you remember when card catalogues weren't computerized?
Yes. And I remember when your library card was a typed piece of cardstock with a metal bar and the machine went chomp! when it checked books out to you.
5. When was the last time you went to the library?
Today actually--I'm painting, so I needed some audiobooks to make it go easier.
6. How many books do you usually check out of the library at one time?
Anywhere from 2-15.
7. Name one great author you've discovered at your library.
Frank Portman.
8. What was the librarian at your elementary school like?
I did not go to a school with a librarian--we had a room with books and an encyclopedia, and that was it.
9. How many times a year do you go to the library?
Bwwaahhh! On business or pleasure?
10. If you could change one thing about your library, what would it be and why?
LPL would put up some freaking signs. Now that both sides are open, I'm warming up to the design.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Oh, Cleveland!
Is it just me, or does all the must see travel advice in response to not Martha's question about what to see/do in Cleveland just seem...horribly boring?
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Up For Grabs--Tiki Cake Stand
Those of you who have seen what is affectionately called the tiki cake stand know what an awesome piece of weirdness it is. See the picture above--it's a total conversation piece. It didn't sell on eBay--anyone want it? Otherwise it goes to Goodwill.
I Am Fed Up
It is May 4th. It is 66 degrees in my bedroom. It is 62 degrees downstairs.
I should not be faced with turning on the heat or the space heater in order to be warm enough to sleep tonight.
I should not be faced with turning on the heat or the space heater in order to be warm enough to sleep tonight.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Is It Too Much To Hope They Burn Down My House?
Good god, I am going to miss the neighbors and their hijinks and the chance to bitch once I move. The Marlboro Mesa does not seem to have as much wacky going on within its borders. And I do worry that I won't have as much crazy surrounding me and I'll get bored.
Their new kick is apparently setting fires in the backyard. No really, they were hanging out in the backyard around a little campfire the other night. No rocks to create a border for the fire, and now they have a little burned circle about 3 feet in diameter in their backyard. How incredibly attractive. I saw it smoldering when I got up in the morning. At first I wondered if it was perhaps a compost pile. Blah, blah, camping, fire safety and all that, but this is a suburb. A densely packed suburb. I don't care how experienced you are, it strikes me as a bit dangerous. Anyone else?
Dear performance artists--
If you burn down both our houses, I promise I'll go in with you and we can sell our lots to a developer, if they even exist any more.
Or at least, can you please get so drunk you burn down my garage?
Thanks,
Kerry
Their new kick is apparently setting fires in the backyard. No really, they were hanging out in the backyard around a little campfire the other night. No rocks to create a border for the fire, and now they have a little burned circle about 3 feet in diameter in their backyard. How incredibly attractive. I saw it smoldering when I got up in the morning. At first I wondered if it was perhaps a compost pile. Blah, blah, camping, fire safety and all that, but this is a suburb. A densely packed suburb. I don't care how experienced you are, it strikes me as a bit dangerous. Anyone else?
Dear performance artists--
If you burn down both our houses, I promise I'll go in with you and we can sell our lots to a developer, if they even exist any more.
Or at least, can you please get so drunk you burn down my garage?
Thanks,
Kerry
I'm So Handsome (Post Courtesy Of Cain)
And I eat diet food now, so I will weigh less than 19 lbs, 3 oz. And my fur will grow back on my tail from where the nasty girl cat bit me.
Joycie will love me when I am in NJ with her. Even if she won't let me sleep with her. I have to remember not to use my nails. And don't eat her fleurs.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Head's Up: The Billy Bragg Edition
This weekend, NPR's Studio 360 is rerunning their conversation with Billy Bragg as he has a new album out this week. This interview, particularly his performance of "To Have And Have Not" was an inspiration for me. I'd been aware of him before through the Mermaid Avenue album and his alt hits of "Sexuality" and "You Woke Up My Neighborhood" but damn, he is impressive. He is one of my favorite songwriters, a perfect pairing of honesty and emotion and grounding in reality.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Doors Are Shut, Windows Are Open
I didn't get the job I interviewed for 2 weeks ago. I think my lack of programming experience was a big factor. But, onto new opportunities, right?
My last day in town is next Friday. No seriously, I'm leaving. You want proof? I bought a 1 way plane ticket leaving from Newark a week from Tuesday. I gave away my tv. I told Carol & John's Comic Shop to cancel my subscriptions after the 7th (I only have 2, but still). Ebay auctions, people! Numerous trips to Half Price Books. Plumbers are finishing their job, I'm trying to get a hold of the guy who reglazes tubs, and my new best friends at Handyman Connection will be out next week. Specs goes to Petsmart by Friday too. I'm living on canned soup, baby carrots, and pb&j sandwiches.
I was in the grocery store right after I came back from AZ when it hit me that I'm not happy (big news, huh?) and I don't have to live like this. I swear, it was exactly like how I came to the decision to split with the ex.
My propensity for rushed and rash movement and decisions after long periods of emotional paralysis should probably be examined as part of my suspected mental instability, but I don't care.
I will send out an email--I'm hosting a last night in town at Bela Dubby 7-9pm. Husband-types and children welcome, and I'm buying the coffee and drinks and giving out hugs.
My last day in town is next Friday. No seriously, I'm leaving. You want proof? I bought a 1 way plane ticket leaving from Newark a week from Tuesday. I gave away my tv. I told Carol & John's Comic Shop to cancel my subscriptions after the 7th (I only have 2, but still). Ebay auctions, people! Numerous trips to Half Price Books. Plumbers are finishing their job, I'm trying to get a hold of the guy who reglazes tubs, and my new best friends at Handyman Connection will be out next week. Specs goes to Petsmart by Friday too. I'm living on canned soup, baby carrots, and pb&j sandwiches.
I was in the grocery store right after I came back from AZ when it hit me that I'm not happy (big news, huh?) and I don't have to live like this. I swear, it was exactly like how I came to the decision to split with the ex.
My propensity for rushed and rash movement and decisions after long periods of emotional paralysis should probably be examined as part of my suspected mental instability, but I don't care.
I will send out an email--I'm hosting a last night in town at Bela Dubby 7-9pm. Husband-types and children welcome, and I'm buying the coffee and drinks and giving out hugs.
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