tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41734977167010015782024-03-14T01:16:31.249-07:00mikee's misc musings...mikeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728903097910250030noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173497716701001578.post-42311935985572948472010-02-16T08:34:00.000-08:002010-02-16T08:45:01.317-08:00way useful iphone app - toodledo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.toodledo.com/images/iphone/iphone_medium.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 313px;" src="http://www.toodledo.com/images/iphone/iphone_medium.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />i'm not a big iphone user (compared to my better half) but i was referred to a way cool + totally fantastic todo list by a friend (thx BC). i'm sure there are a ton of em out there but this one is pretty intuitive w/ nice interface/folders/... but the biggest, and most important, feature for me is web access/editing of todo lists. it does require a manual sync (button) on the iphone but being able to view/edit on your desktop is huge. check it out.<br /><br />http://www.toodledo.commikeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728903097910250030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173497716701001578.post-67710956920686613592010-02-14T07:11:00.000-08:002010-02-16T15:30:41.884-08:00our DIY project mini kitchen update - kitchen lightinglast week we completed the updating of our kitchen lights. the house was built in 1954 and kitchen was renovated in ~91. although a bit dated, the kitchen was quite good. one thing jo really liked was the ample size, to allow 2+ people to cook together without running into each other. we changed out the fluorescent tubes and replaced them with 4 recessed cans in a "sunken cavity," which we finished off with wainscot + moulding. tools: miter saw, circular saw, finishing nails, hammer, nailset, jigsaw. a bit hairy at times measuring the centers of the 4 holes for lights but we perserved. see photos below.<br />mc<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">changes made in 91 by previous owners:</span> (assumed)<br />opened up kitchen wall (removed door) to dining area<br />new dark oak cabinets<br />dropped ceiling to accommodate cavity for "modern" 4 ft fluorescent tube lighting<br />new electrical (romex)/GFCIs<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">changes made in '09:</span><br />new granite<br />new stainless undermount unbranded sink<br />new garbage disposal (waste king) + plumbing (done improperly - need redo)<br />refinished cabinets<br />new laminate flooring over linoleum to better match red oak throughout rest of house<br /><br />*indicate guesses/missing confirmation<br /><div link="blue" vlink="purple" lang="EN-US"> <div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >BEFORE:</span></span></p><span style="font-style: italic;">original lighting</span> w/ 2 pairs of 4 ft fluorescent tubes<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tjdMrFHhNoVf57aYfzJjJ0xvhlHaTYcyKXyHaYh4qlytCnFgHPDKFqAm2qz75XZ3fHgd7o3B8uJD98dAcgOSicLuAne4oizcWGp77Jz1kJXYm7eBhicn07WRN7DLbxhS9vRKrYNr2OM/s1600-h/image006.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tjdMrFHhNoVf57aYfzJjJ0xvhlHaTYcyKXyHaYh4qlytCnFgHPDKFqAm2qz75XZ3fHgd7o3B8uJD98dAcgOSicLuAne4oizcWGp77Jz1kJXYm7eBhicn07WRN7DLbxhS9vRKrYNr2OM/s400/image006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438984844635627154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzysguHOiZBXgPFT8BJwQQwl03PgLg-93sFTk_LfjRKGQJ2QaivKX_DNJgiexZ5nl15EGoRTbMed_ZAQApIHPlDEX_-5LNIDtbX0G47XuurQyc0WNtjdrFBj9pvZRdJ_tYXreknGOnjYg/s1600-h/image007.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzysguHOiZBXgPFT8BJwQQwl03PgLg-93sFTk_LfjRKGQJ2QaivKX_DNJgiexZ5nl15EGoRTbMed_ZAQApIHPlDEX_-5LNIDtbX0G47XuurQyc0WNtjdrFBj9pvZRdJ_tYXreknGOnjYg/s400/image007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438984854527464882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />installed 4 energy star/title 24 compliant CFL 5" cans<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;" >new cans installed (philips lightolier 5" fluorescent Xceed round energy star)</span></span></i></span><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />http://www.lightolier.com/products/index.jsp?CATREL_ID=25263&BLK=N&CAT_ID=26523</span><br /></span></span></i> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuZt59dYoNJH-VP3_q4NXwYNafpvA5rpQIleQCDuCBVersb_y2HX3qZpKWOk41z-mxC5ssOtVRFIZQ4RNEu5OGW-MIFE_d17IJ9MHolZbgG0RhCZli6ew5aCQ0eGAMKMoFt3HYD1qRTQ/s1600-h/image009.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuZt59dYoNJH-VP3_q4NXwYNafpvA5rpQIleQCDuCBVersb_y2HX3qZpKWOk41z-mxC5ssOtVRFIZQ4RNEu5OGW-MIFE_d17IJ9MHolZbgG0RhCZli6ew5aCQ0eGAMKMoFt3HYD1qRTQ/s400/image009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438984865995095874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />the very hairy/tricky measuring of can centers on wainscot panel<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51q3iv7P6KLFzJ254-rAI4NIhMQYe95RQ8VUkTgZDsHUnBqfL6A0LBHqx_mhyM1mwZFYhjc56AyokiRVvzZl7ZHlfM_xdlvjE1Gwh1oFDf98D5-u1GAQHTwSRBEdeAmVgC9vYq-_xbao/s1600-h/image010.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51q3iv7P6KLFzJ254-rAI4NIhMQYe95RQ8VUkTgZDsHUnBqfL6A0LBHqx_mhyM1mwZFYhjc56AyokiRVvzZl7ZHlfM_xdlvjE1Gwh1oFDf98D5-u1GAQHTwSRBEdeAmVgC9vYq-_xbao/s400/image010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438984871009236578" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >our "precision" jigsaw cut job<br /></span></span><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" > YAY - it fits! (mostly). hammering overhead is painful. need to borrow compresser/nailer in future.<br /></span></span></p> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTt-0_uMxpSVHsw3HQbyM_sRif5ezADopy_AasNa-lpccUNv7mD2ugeYVDKiJ74vne8Lopn2k2ORFTuGqOzv0YLdqx9iVtNS9NB_hjzVVkUHO-5EuPX5zc3jAJ7LcrE4lWnrNb401EIU/s1600-h/image012.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTt-0_uMxpSVHsw3HQbyM_sRif5ezADopy_AasNa-lpccUNv7mD2ugeYVDKiJ74vne8Lopn2k2ORFTuGqOzv0YLdqx9iVtNS9NB_hjzVVkUHO-5EuPX5zc3jAJ7LcrE4lWnrNb401EIU/s400/image012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438987172190784626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIErVG8LsNC6NDpULy78kv4h_afGZxGYBmp6NGxjQjJprti6csJ90g_gpOiKI5ClHjehe0BW0SGyDrQSmB7QEgq7iVLTefFJUglebL-mrT4sf-b6T4-2_lGmudnEC4SxZEsu17uXAJGtE/s1600-h/image013.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIErVG8LsNC6NDpULy78kv4h_afGZxGYBmp6NGxjQjJprti6csJ90g_gpOiKI5ClHjehe0BW0SGyDrQSmB7QEgq7iVLTefFJUglebL-mrT4sf-b6T4-2_lGmudnEC4SxZEsu17uXAJGtE/s400/image013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438987179279469266" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >finished! now to countersink nails, putty, paint.<br /></span></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaFuHhifgNu03a2v2N8rXXkUAJ5MFBhPTk7kcK_qmJXUccWmrhLG4JVE_OZ2mMnnJNl2G0QgIVU22SQUgwE0AB1RW0v8BkxqVCPRv7OVgV_qYsChyphenhyphencEWKF1Tnyg9WW3G-jkmrmJGKc_g/s1600-h/image019.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaFuHhifgNu03a2v2N8rXXkUAJ5MFBhPTk7kcK_qmJXUccWmrhLG4JVE_OZ2mMnnJNl2G0QgIVU22SQUgwE0AB1RW0v8BkxqVCPRv7OVgV_qYsChyphenhyphencEWKF1Tnyg9WW3G-jkmrmJGKc_g/s400/image019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438987181660086690" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsvB-z1uJvoHGWb3hxD5-3emKKhPQsm8xS7cz3dl7PtpwhaqLY_-tlrF28qY3EsWYtIY6myLffFts7qjUP3mPJB5or4qBnR86EfhF8oYYfQ8V6cZFNfyqJUD49JqpktC3-0GNav4rzgc/s1600-h/image020.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsvB-z1uJvoHGWb3hxD5-3emKKhPQsm8xS7cz3dl7PtpwhaqLY_-tlrF28qY3EsWYtIY6myLffFts7qjUP3mPJB5or4qBnR86EfhF8oYYfQ8V6cZFNfyqJUD49JqpktC3-0GNav4rzgc/s400/image020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438987189828143090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />/end<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" > </span></span></p><br /></div> </div>mikeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728903097910250030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173497716701001578.post-78634548984024616442010-02-13T21:27:00.000-08:002010-02-13T21:28:06.633-08:002010: getting back to itso after a 10+ month hiatus, i'm back! unsure for how long but we'll see. a lot has happened in the last year. we completed a successful 3 wk backpacking (+hotels) trip to chile/peru. and we sold/bought a house and did a ton of renovation work.<br /><br />a list of possible things i'll write about:<br />-<span style="font-weight: bold;"> real estate: key house buying considerations</span> - location (city, school, neighborhood, street) & house (lot size, house size, beds/baths, condition)<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">home improvement: </span>selecting contractors (we did new windows + HVAC)<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">DIY (do it yourself) / home renovation</span>: some very simple/basic kitchen remodeling (more decor), electrical work (adding lights, switches, outlets)<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">home improvement shopping</span> for materials, hardware, tools<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">general financial tips </span>(shopping wisely, credit cards...)<br />- and other random stuff.<br /><br />here we go!<br />mikeemikeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728903097910250030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173497716701001578.post-20151839299548695452009-03-25T12:30:00.000-07:002009-03-25T12:30:04.464-07:00never overcook meat again - _guaranteed_<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhyphenhyphenTLPtWio-hbmTl8VwGPIko9fhpIq_x3MVrl95ddpBAe9DxhHFPKxkCiamqTPQncy524YrFg-6IR-Za98Od5QBTXU-oiO8rLB68D7wZSeWzDhkigPqKioPEOdj0ba5pTmdYiUZh_p7w/s1600-h/thermapen_red_tpen_cropped-sm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhyphenhyphenTLPtWio-hbmTl8VwGPIko9fhpIq_x3MVrl95ddpBAe9DxhHFPKxkCiamqTPQncy524YrFg-6IR-Za98Od5QBTXU-oiO8rLB68D7wZSeWzDhkigPqKioPEOdj0ba5pTmdYiUZh_p7w/s400/thermapen_red_tpen_cropped-sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317170570019873666" /></a><br />i can't recall how many pieces of quality meat (beef, pork, chicken) that i've ruined by overcooking on the grill, range and in the oven. i'm an amateur cook at best and perhaps I lacked the skill to use my seemingly snail-slow mechanical thermometer (30 sec to get a 50% accurate temp. yikes!) <div><br /></div><div>a friend has been using the <a href="http://www.thermoworks.com/products/thermapen/tpen_home.html">Thermapen</a> ($89*) for years and highly recommends it. at first i was skeptical given the cost (8x the cost of a basic thermometer) but once you try it and get laser-accurate temp in <<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">4 sec </span></span>flat, you'll never go back! </div><div><br /></div><div>my buddy justified the investment sorta like this "how many pieces of good meat do you need to ruin" before you buy one? =)</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the <a href="http://www.thermoworks.com/products/thermapen/thermapen_reviews.html">reviews</a>. #1 rated instant-read thermometer by Cook's Illustrated/America's Test Kitchen</div>mikeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728903097910250030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173497716701001578.post-80252277871856000982009-03-25T08:33:00.000-07:002009-03-25T09:17:58.571-07:00the "power" of Polartec® (aka fleece)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfnm_k-zvrl4aSG7nXCB6rYLADMwvbdERgCDf5FOiPWQQOctZ-NIb5BKkbtjWKDuHEnI3HW_EjX03FL3flz_6oSTzi352xPAteGRRqsssGYkEhmvuodchoYaxlMwQjT6LGAJqe3XgQKg/s1600-h/polartec-class_1mb_rev.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 178px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfnm_k-zvrl4aSG7nXCB6rYLADMwvbdERgCDf5FOiPWQQOctZ-NIb5BKkbtjWKDuHEnI3HW_EjX03FL3flz_6oSTzi352xPAteGRRqsssGYkEhmvuodchoYaxlMwQjT6LGAJqe3XgQKg/s400/polartec-class_1mb_rev.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317160267813629202" /></a><br />most people have experienced some type of fleece/polar fleece/polartec clothing in the past. Polartec is truly spectacular given the insulation it provides for so little weight. it was invented in the 80s by <a href="http://www.maldenmills.com/">Malden Mills</a> and evidently Time magazine called it one of the great inventions of the 20th century.<div><br /></div><div>to me, it is one of the most<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> amazing materials</span> i've ever used. imagine a recycled polyester fabric that is<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> warm, ultra lightweight, ultra quick drying </span>(nearly dry straight out of the washer) and still provides insulation <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">when wet.</span> i can't stop raving about it. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>altho I did have my trusty polartec jacket, i had always wanted a blanket however paying $60+ was a little pricey. one day a buddy told me that I could polartec sheets <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">online,</span> direct from the mfger at ~half price. now i could make my own blankets. WOW! jackets were cool but blankets are equally incredible. check out the <a href="http://www.milldirecttextiles.com/">store</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>think about polartec sheets, almost as<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">light as air</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> and of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">pure warmth </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> <br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>so if anyone ever wants to check out my collection of polartec jackets (100, 200, 300, thermal pro Regulator*...) or blankets (100-300 + "Regulator-like.") let me know. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>ADDENDUM: </div><div>my favorite fleece items:</div><div><ul><li>polartec 300 blanket - for those cold northern cal nites - a 300 does wonders. super warm.<br /></li><li>polartec 200 blanket - medium weight for most of the year<br /></li><li>my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">cookie monster blue </span>Patagonia R2 jacket - Regular R2 provides comparable warmth as polartec 200 but in a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">animal hair</span> finish. <br /></li><li>North Face Denali polartec 300 jacket - semi-retired but it served me well over the years<br /></li></ul></div><div> *Regulator - Patagonia exclusive fabric which they developed w/ Malden Mills</div>mikeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728903097910250030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173497716701001578.post-30756924379277291362009-03-17T23:54:00.000-07:002009-03-18T07:48:50.861-07:00madoff, investing, data + putting your eggs in one basket<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcUt2_dr4ru5pVcQkqCs19hwnK7EzB5IUyHgt5toeVYGy7gGwFcCJpIiz-doPBxVWNmV3wR4VubrJVONPF9OqmnzPkoGFbZ0sOI73koJ43_TUuBPzzZ5RptB-UekL4eQnHBRruWziSYc/s1600-h/eggsinbasket-150.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcUt2_dr4ru5pVcQkqCs19hwnK7EzB5IUyHgt5toeVYGy7gGwFcCJpIiz-doPBxVWNmV3wR4VubrJVONPF9OqmnzPkoGFbZ0sOI73koJ43_TUuBPzzZ5RptB-UekL4eQnHBRruWziSYc/s400/eggsinbasket-150.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314533215784276562" /></a><div>looking at stuff happening these days reminds me of the idiom</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">"don't put all your eggs in one basket"</span></span></span></div><div>it's certainly a simple saying but it does make a lot of sense cause if anything happens to the basket, there go all your huevos.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>this actually applies very well to life.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">on investing</span></span></div><div>with the madoff scam, I feel bad for those who lost so much, and for some, their life savings. for the rest of us, we should diversify across multiple places to invest. a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">basket</span> here and a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> basket</span> there. don't give all your money to a single investment entity. or invest in a single stock. or deposit all your cash in one account. (yes FDIC does insure but banks do go bankrupt...) seems simple enough but it does take work.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">on data storage: </span></span></div><div>so the same applies to your precious data (personal docs, financial, priceless photos, videos). backups are HUGE because hard drives (HDDs) aren't indestructible. re: the demise of your drive, it's not a matter of IF, but a matter of WHEN. i personally backup onto inexpensive, dedicated external USB HDDs (they are only on when i backup. remember cali is earthquake country!) and also upload my photos to the net. (Flickr for me, Smugmug for others). remote backup is key as your home is only one <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">basket</span>. a friend recommended an automatic $5/month/computer remote encrypted backup service called <a href="http://www.backblaze.com/">backblaze</a> which i'm considering cause manual backups take time/discipline. finally for laptop users, it's even more important to backup given theft is a growing problem.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">BKM: don't put all your investments/money/data/anything of value into one basket<br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I'll end w/ this bit of humor. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8JzwhY-TzqcdHZo_k3ejv_QgALQdez2rMotaoq8WtOWTk4PAPY3ELZecOFXAQmUODzkmXUqZnA3tUAREFK3lOU8oTY_TTR3TffLHxghj3z-IVS1gOZOBZPhA5I98AqcPn3ll4b5M-v8/s1600-h/eggsinbasket-funny.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8JzwhY-TzqcdHZo_k3ejv_QgALQdez2rMotaoq8WtOWTk4PAPY3ELZecOFXAQmUODzkmXUqZnA3tUAREFK3lOU8oTY_TTR3TffLHxghj3z-IVS1gOZOBZPhA5I98AqcPn3ll4b5M-v8/s400/eggsinbasket-funny.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314538837979563234" style="cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /></div>mikeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728903097910250030noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173497716701001578.post-85115855842776007502009-03-16T21:06:00.000-07:002009-03-16T21:59:32.554-07:00in search of _efficiency_<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nNtvmHDAZfFaazSz_KF79_q8tdOc2MGx0ElAv32OWA3DUjsWMS-jrUenRo2mik0x0Yzq5hszCxJzXzh63S63Gr-HGKeiNwfdhA44E9MZj1wl4yerAnd9klU4D21D0cDfYq_h34le26I/s1600-h/thomasjefferson-sm-crop.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 108px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nNtvmHDAZfFaazSz_KF79_q8tdOc2MGx0ElAv32OWA3DUjsWMS-jrUenRo2mik0x0Yzq5hszCxJzXzh63S63Gr-HGKeiNwfdhA44E9MZj1wl4yerAnd9klU4D21D0cDfYq_h34le26I/s400/thomasjefferson-sm-crop.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314013213099484866" /></a><div>Each day, it seems there aren't enough hours to do everything I need to do. If I could magically increase days to 25, 26 or even 30 hrs, that'd be fantastic. Short of this, I've been trying to become more <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">efficient</span>, to do more in the time that I have. <span><span></span></span>But alas I'm human and make more mistakes than the average person, resulting in less than perfect <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">execution</span>. So I've come up w/ a few things to increase efficiency given my flaws.</div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">BKM 1) Don't Procrastinate (with a twist)</span></span></span></span>: </div><div>Many people know Thomas Jefferson's quote: "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." unfortunately I love to procrastinate. To give myself some leeway but still follow this adage, I give myself 3 chances. Basically if I see something I need to do, I can put it off once, twice and the 3rd time I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">JUST DO IT! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This actually works pretty well. Sometimes I challenge myself to do it on the 2nd time so I don't use up my "reserve" chance. Give this <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">twist</span> a try and see what it can do for you.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); ">BKM 2) If you forget to do "something," don't just do the "something." do the "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">something</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); ">" + "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">something else</span>.</span>"</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; ">More often than not, I forget to do </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">something</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; ">. I might finish washing dishes and head upstairs but forget to turn off the light. When I'm upstairs and realize the light is on, instead of just going down + turning off the light, I try to do <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">something else</span></span>. Maybe I bring dirty clothes down to the washer. Or I bring down dirty glasses to put in the sink. After, I turn off the light. VOILA - i actually gain more than i lose. Building upon this, I might then bring up a glass of water for Jo. How's that for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">advanced technique</span>? ;)</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfh3pTK2NJZ9_Z75m2PebrZT6azfVCS3EQ7xc__ope-eD9i4E5BqF2fQwRGHMSmU5NY4CtNdXFqBhr4rGqZDYkjI6VgSadq4P4cS1v6bGbdk_Uu82qnhJt1ftx9zQcddhowRqvNtz5rVk/s1600-h/dirty-glasses-sm2.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4tWs7-eNEJczbr2UOHkR1VRslosp_uaC9V0rNoFRjo0kVTmCQskYfMeEwndsa9vZEBDbegXRI_EghH_dDy4AaHls7VuzTYXBYhpZzTUrPJwb58ZsTQPV6Gr-USbz1gvZOtW0ezCw1Ac/s1600-h/dirty_clothes-sm2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4tWs7-eNEJczbr2UOHkR1VRslosp_uaC9V0rNoFRjo0kVTmCQskYfMeEwndsa9vZEBDbegXRI_EghH_dDy4AaHls7VuzTYXBYhpZzTUrPJwb58ZsTQPV6Gr-USbz1gvZOtW0ezCw1Ac/s400/dirty_clothes-sm2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314015642783716738" style="cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 119px; " /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfh3pTK2NJZ9_Z75m2PebrZT6azfVCS3EQ7xc__ope-eD9i4E5BqF2fQwRGHMSmU5NY4CtNdXFqBhr4rGqZDYkjI6VgSadq4P4cS1v6bGbdk_Uu82qnhJt1ftx9zQcddhowRqvNtz5rVk/s1600-h/dirty-glasses-sm2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfh3pTK2NJZ9_Z75m2PebrZT6azfVCS3EQ7xc__ope-eD9i4E5BqF2fQwRGHMSmU5NY4CtNdXFqBhr4rGqZDYkjI6VgSadq4P4cS1v6bGbdk_Uu82qnhJt1ftx9zQcddhowRqvNtz5rVk/s400/dirty-glasses-sm2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314015641118006466" style="cursor: pointer; width: 93px; height: 119px; " /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIf2jprLwrHrkCKO8Q9CpEmh64nbpqRU7F6XauGFerG4a5XYkAs8Mo4r12Ewq3MDShyPd_XINLYVOtmcCEQo-tYzK7wxnLq_TKQYrOHP7jnCmtMveaHHsNVG71-t5hV1zKjHKtPLSqfs/s1600-h/glasswater-sm2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIf2jprLwrHrkCKO8Q9CpEmh64nbpqRU7F6XauGFerG4a5XYkAs8Mo4r12Ewq3MDShyPd_XINLYVOtmcCEQo-tYzK7wxnLq_TKQYrOHP7jnCmtMveaHHsNVG71-t5hV1zKjHKtPLSqfs/s400/glasswater-sm2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314015648543345762" style="cursor: pointer; width: 81px; height: 119px; " /></a><br /></div></div></div>mikeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728903097910250030noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173497716701001578.post-50719254198133236062009-03-15T09:46:00.000-07:002009-03-15T21:16:52.280-07:00do-it-yourself home improvement projects...When it comes to house projects, i'm a big fan of doing stuff on my own, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">as long as</span> the risk of having to call in the experts for more $$$ is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">manageable</span>. as our house is relatively new, I haven't had to do much. A while back I did however decide to build a small paver stone (brick) patio, with the help of a real good friend of mine. It did take a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">bit</span> longer (i estimated 1 weekend :P but it took 4, yes four) however ultimately it came out fine. I was certainly humbled and deeply appreciative for all the help I received from friends. :) I learned that it is virtually impossible to estimate the amount of time for a project if <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">you've never done it before</span> and are learning on the job. <div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">BKM: </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">the best way to learn a new skill is to practice where it doesn't matter so when it does count, you already have some experience!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><br /></span></div></div><div>the other day I noticed that the local Home Depot offers various home improvement clinics (laying tile, repairing drywall...). </div><div><br /></div><div>Check out your <a href="http://www.homeimproverclub.com/workshops.aspx?type=3&zipcode=95054&date=2009-4-1">local Home Depot's</a> and see what's being offered!</div><div><div><div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1-DnhmEN_4s54rcCqxF8GZzbzmN4NGBdrOV7luNpcjK8UBMu3pEGxHe-urLDnGQpKMj1Ilwtkp_wQNu7BT0Sl4pktRNDeBN-x36EkrEgbPWkoqSdX8KA-syNXsnsq6bkF1wJbO-a2l8/s1600-h/homedepot-workshops-tile.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1-DnhmEN_4s54rcCqxF8GZzbzmN4NGBdrOV7luNpcjK8UBMu3pEGxHe-urLDnGQpKMj1Ilwtkp_wQNu7BT0Sl4pktRNDeBN-x36EkrEgbPWkoqSdX8KA-syNXsnsq6bkF1wJbO-a2l8/s400/homedepot-workshops-tile.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313459578254837554" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 157px; " /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>mikeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728903097910250030noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173497716701001578.post-10733261758820232802009-03-14T09:39:00.000-07:002009-03-14T15:56:41.700-07:00the "real" patagonia...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFczEEL2wN8OZec2E2hhRNheD-0A2thvaH1w0EYGdoIFtkXv_7LWb_3gf0HhcteAQgMqVao8RlA_WHuzaMdw-9u9dRWlTbEZcOc4YTt4b8c31Vk22mSlbrDtMSV1_ZXF5gwBtXsF-xFE/s1600-h/machupicchu.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFczEEL2wN8OZec2E2hhRNheD-0A2thvaH1w0EYGdoIFtkXv_7LWb_3gf0HhcteAQgMqVao8RlA_WHuzaMdw-9u9dRWlTbEZcOc4YTt4b8c31Vk22mSlbrDtMSV1_ZXF5gwBtXsF-xFE/s200/machupicchu.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313087216351536386" /></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Fu6R5kNzXS6oMlybMEucOvA9P4NNBdd2hHcCyq0RrcO8jxwdacwa39GD9pSBJyN2NqkwM9APRueCjTw48toqjWkAgsGX9myv8_hQMmD60ihsjJbTBXk6IP8zvY873aAmZsruOzR2b1M/s1600-h/torresdelpaine.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Fu6R5kNzXS6oMlybMEucOvA9P4NNBdd2hHcCyq0RrcO8jxwdacwa39GD9pSBJyN2NqkwM9APRueCjTw48toqjWkAgsGX9myv8_hQMmD60ihsjJbTBXk6IP8zvY873aAmZsruOzR2b1M/s200/torresdelpaine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313085349511871762" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px; " /></a></div><div>Torres <st1:state st="on">del</st1:state> <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Paine National Park</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Chile</st1:country-region></st1:place> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torres_del_Paine_National_Park">wikipedia</a>)<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Fu6R5kNzXS6oMlybMEucOvA9P4NNBdd2hHcCyq0RrcO8jxwdacwa39GD9pSBJyN2NqkwM9APRueCjTw48toqjWkAgsGX9myv8_hQMmD60ihsjJbTBXk6IP8zvY873aAmZsruOzR2b1M/s1600-h/torresdelpaine.jpg"><br /></a>This spring, Jo and I are heading off to a "big trip."<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We've both been to Asia and <st1:place st="on">Europe</st1:place> and we want to do something <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">challenging</span> and off the beaten path.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We figured we would put our poser Patagonia<span><span></span></span> clothing to real use by heading to it's namesake and doing some trekking.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We'll be going to Chile which is ultra-narrow (avg ~109 mi wide) and super-long (2,672 mi!) to see deserts, mountains, lakes and glaciers, followed by hitting the Inca trail and Machu Picchu, Peru (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu">wikipedia</a>)</div><div> <p class="MsoPlainText">Fortunately for me, the itinerary is set thanks to Jo's incredible trip planning skills. When I say incredible I'm really not boasting. (She literally plans complete itineraries/transport/accommodations in 2x real time, finishing the bulk (80%) of trip planning in 1 week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">We're now getting our gear (more later) in order and doing some training by hiking <a href="http://www.bahiker.com/eastbayhikes/missionpeak.html">Mission Peak</a> in Fremont (2.8 mi 1 way, 2200 ft elevation gain), although most of the terrain is ~flat and on some local trails w/ packs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stay tuned for more!</p></div>mikeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728903097910250030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173497716701001578.post-72077573391715759732009-02-16T21:33:00.001-08:002009-03-14T16:12:24.011-07:00"TO" aka technical outwear<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';"><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><div>i'm a big fan of clothing with utility and practicality. gimme technical outerwear aka TO (think clothes for hiking, camping, climbing, skiing) any day over those fashion brands. i may be a major <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">poser</span> since i ski once a year, have only car-camped a few times in my life and spend most of time in very non-threatening, climate controlled enviros BUT if i can get good deals on TO at the same price or cheaper than fashion clothes, I'll take it! <div><br /></div><div>Big makers of TO include Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, Smartwool, The North Face (more so from the old days)... My favorite now is Patagonia whereas I started off w/ TNF, and dabbled some in Mountain Hardwear and others. (more later on what brands I like for what items...)</div><div><br /></div><div>TO is typically made of high tech fabrics such as Polartec, quick drying nylon/polyester, polypropylene, waterproof/breathable fabrics (GORE-TEX, proprietary ones). The coolest thing about TO is how these clothes perform. Imagine a fleece jacket offering incredible warmth for its feather-like weight, the ability to insulate even when wet and ultra-fast drying (nearly dry when you pull it from the washer). Or a nylon/polyester shirt which wicks away sweat and dries really quickly. Finally, a baselayer long sleeve top made of ultra fine New Zealand Merino wool, which wicks away sweat, resists odor (i've been told you can wear it 1+ wk with minimal smell) and keeps you at a good temp in a wide temperature range. Wow!</div><div><br /></div><div>popular TO brands:</div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBmmsAKSVdtw6nQtvvRY7gjjTqOUKqmYqRb1FAn1MU8KbZon7FRSZi1bG15vBd-KmFsEeJsTGywQj2vWbea5SFh5zFhuAnuQX3BzVbJglQ_Z_M5YC-8VcLXTnygI5lLEFn1dyaH1_nj8/s1600-h/multipatagoniaMHWTNFsw.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBmmsAKSVdtw6nQtvvRY7gjjTqOUKqmYqRb1FAn1MU8KbZon7FRSZi1bG15vBd-KmFsEeJsTGywQj2vWbea5SFh5zFhuAnuQX3BzVbJglQ_Z_M5YC-8VcLXTnygI5lLEFn1dyaH1_nj8/s200/multipatagoniaMHWTNFsw.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313185203605199842" style="cursor: pointer; width: 86px; height: 200px; " /></a><br /></div></div></span>mikeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728903097910250030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173497716701001578.post-15440567566054355252009-02-16T21:27:00.000-08:002009-03-15T21:08:25.568-07:00the beginnning...I've finally finally decided to start blogging after years and years of not. my wife jo has been the biggest inspiration to me, since she's been a dedicated blogger since she was old enough to surf the web. and so here marks the beginning of my random musings about my hobbies and whatever. but mostly i'll prolly write about more practical life-focused things which i call <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); ">BKMs </span></span></span>(aka best known methods - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); ">finding the most efficient/easiest ways to do things</span> in life/at work) I encounter since it's been a growing interest for me the last several years. (stay tuned for a dedicated BKM site which a buddy and I are working on!)<div><div><br /></div><div>note: that i do write in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Dickinson">emily dickinson</a></span> style of no caps and strange punctuation...,,,,=== so hopefully you're good with that. :)<br /></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>mikee</div></div></div></div>mikeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728903097910250030noreply@blogger.com2