I just had a brilliant moment with my son. On my laptop I have the software ExamDiff Pro. It is used to "diff" two files. Meaning, you can use it to compare two pieces of software to find any and all differences in two files. I've never noticed it before, but the icon is an apple and an orange.
Do you get it? It is used to compare files and the icon is an apple and an orange....like the phrases commonly used "we have to make an apples to apples comparison" or "we're comparing apples and oranges here". He just made me realize the significance of the icon and I've been using the software for over 3 years. Brilliant!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
stagnation
Holy smokes this thing has gone stagnant!!
Our time out here in California is going to slow our home projects down. One thing we'll be able to do is to take time and decide what we want to update outside. The homes here in our new neighborhood are so beautiful. Nearly 1 out of every 5 can go on the cover of a home renovation magazine, others....need some work.
I think we'll do something out back definitely, and maybe I can convince the wife for a pergola out front.
Our time out here in California is going to slow our home projects down. One thing we'll be able to do is to take time and decide what we want to update outside. The homes here in our new neighborhood are so beautiful. Nearly 1 out of every 5 can go on the cover of a home renovation magazine, others....need some work.
I think we'll do something out back definitely, and maybe I can convince the wife for a pergola out front.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Missing my wife
I miss my wife and kids. And out of boredom I google "I miss my wife". I end up on you tube watching videos of women who miss their wives. I guess straight guys don't do that.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
boot bench is finished
The boot bench is complete. Here are some pictures of the intermediate steps.
Here it is after 3 coats of stain.
X helped me break up the tile for the bottom shelf. He loved helping. Yes, I let my 2 year old swing my biggest hammer.
He also likes to tile. Guess which pieces he put down in the mortar?
Here it is after tiling.
Applying the grout.
Finished product.
Here it is after 3 coats of stain.
X helped me break up the tile for the bottom shelf. He loved helping. Yes, I let my 2 year old swing my biggest hammer.
He also likes to tile. Guess which pieces he put down in the mortar?
Here it is after tiling.
Applying the grout.
Finished product.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
boot bench
I've been working on a boot bench since March. At least that's when I printed these plans.
http://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/do-it-yourself/2007/09/boot-bench
I bought the wood in August or September, then did some cutting in October and then the bench got shelved for the previous 2 posts, among other things.
I modified the plans a bit. They tell you to buy a 36" stair tread and then cut off 1/3rd of it. Seems a bit silly to me, so I left it at 36". They also suggested using pine for the sides and base. I didn't like that idea so I went with red oak (because Home Depot offered red oak or pine stair treads) for the top and sides and pine for the base. I left the base pine because I thought it would be cool to use some leftover tile from our master bathroom project and use that instead. I figure that if we are going to put wet, snowy and dirty boots and shoes, why not make it something that a little more durable.
I got the tile idea from an art show we went to in Worthington over the summer. This guy did some awesome mosaics with mirrors and stands so I thought I could apply the mosaic idea here.
The above is where the mosaic will go.
The next step is to install filler plugs over all of the holes.
And I'm not going to paint it either. Red oak is expensive and to put paint on it would be a shame.
http://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/do-it-yourself/2007/09/boot-bench
I bought the wood in August or September, then did some cutting in October and then the bench got shelved for the previous 2 posts, among other things.
I modified the plans a bit. They tell you to buy a 36" stair tread and then cut off 1/3rd of it. Seems a bit silly to me, so I left it at 36". They also suggested using pine for the sides and base. I didn't like that idea so I went with red oak (because Home Depot offered red oak or pine stair treads) for the top and sides and pine for the base. I left the base pine because I thought it would be cool to use some leftover tile from our master bathroom project and use that instead. I figure that if we are going to put wet, snowy and dirty boots and shoes, why not make it something that a little more durable.
I got the tile idea from an art show we went to in Worthington over the summer. This guy did some awesome mosaics with mirrors and stands so I thought I could apply the mosaic idea here.
The above is where the mosaic will go.
The next step is to install filler plugs over all of the holes.
And I'm not going to paint it either. Red oak is expensive and to put paint on it would be a shame.
away in a manger
We put up our Christmas decorations Thanksgiving weekend. Amanda put up the nativity and said, "Gee, I wish we had a manger".
So last weekend I built this:
I used some leftover plywood for the base and sides and leftover masonite for the back and roof. I routered the base so the wisemen wouldn't cut their feet on the sharp edge.
So last weekend I built this:
I used some leftover plywood for the base and sides and leftover masonite for the back and roof. I routered the base so the wisemen wouldn't cut their feet on the sharp edge.
garage storage solution
We needed to add some storage space to our garage to accomadate camping gear, kid stuff, strollers, tools and so on. I found an article that had some good suggestions and liked the angle bracket idea.
http://www.rd.com/easy-garage-storage-solutions/article17442.html
The angle brackets were the most expensive part. That was probably 85% of the total cost of the project. The hardest part was finding the studs in the walls. 16" on center, right? Sure.
The good news is we can still park both of our cars in the garage....for now.
Yup, that's the helicopter hung upside down in front of my parking spot.
http://www.rd.com/easy-garage-storage-solutions/article17442.html
The angle brackets were the most expensive part. That was probably 85% of the total cost of the project. The hardest part was finding the studs in the walls. 16" on center, right? Sure.
The good news is we can still park both of our cars in the garage....for now.
Yup, that's the helicopter hung upside down in front of my parking spot.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Helicopter!!
The helicopter was finished in time for Xander's birthday and it was a hit! Here it is on it's maiden voyage. I did add a couple of handles on each side to facilitate easier access after this picture was taken and our neighbor painted a bumble bee on it and painted "The Stinger". I'll put more pictures up later with that.
THANKS MANDY FOR THE BUMBLEBEE IDEA FOR THE PAINT THEME!
As you can see in the picture below it is complete with a ceiling fan for the top propeller and 2 smaller fans for rear propellers. You have twice the turning power with 2 rear props. There is also a CB antenna for calling in backup (not needed with the flying ace pictured below).
Inside the cab we have fan switches up above and a telephone in the rear. The dash has the original steering wheels (I don't know what you call a steering wheel in a helicopter), original fuel and oil gauges, a video tracking device and another button.
A plexiglass windshield keeps the bugs out when you are traveling through hyperspace. It ain't like dustin' crops, boy!
THANKS MANDY FOR THE BUMBLEBEE IDEA FOR THE PAINT THEME!
As you can see in the picture below it is complete with a ceiling fan for the top propeller and 2 smaller fans for rear propellers. You have twice the turning power with 2 rear props. There is also a CB antenna for calling in backup (not needed with the flying ace pictured below).
Inside the cab we have fan switches up above and a telephone in the rear. The dash has the original steering wheels (I don't know what you call a steering wheel in a helicopter), original fuel and oil gauges, a video tracking device and another button.
A plexiglass windshield keeps the bugs out when you are traveling through hyperspace. It ain't like dustin' crops, boy!
Monday, September 7, 2009
more helicopter
This was last weekend when I started assembling the new helicopter by using the old one as a template. I borrowed my neighbors jigsaw to make all of the circular cuts and it was a lifesaver.
Our neighbors were throwing out a ceiling fan so it became the propeller.
The landing gear.
Another neighbor built a fence last year out of lattice. I used some of his broken leftover pieces for the rear tail.
I still need the rear propeller. I'm paying a coworker to fashion something for me. Hopefully he'll have that to me this week.
I started painting this weekend and put 2 coats on and realized that the plywood was going to suck all the paint up and I needed primer. So then I ran out and bought some primer and primed it. I need to put another coat on there then I'll go back to painting. It should look like a giant bumblebee when I'm done.
Our neighbors were throwing out a ceiling fan so it became the propeller.
The landing gear.
Another neighbor built a fence last year out of lattice. I used some of his broken leftover pieces for the rear tail.
I still need the rear propeller. I'm paying a coworker to fashion something for me. Hopefully he'll have that to me this week.
I started painting this weekend and put 2 coats on and realized that the plywood was going to suck all the paint up and I needed primer. So then I ran out and bought some primer and primed it. I need to put another coat on there then I'll go back to painting. It should look like a giant bumblebee when I'm done.
coffeetable
I fixed up a coffetable for Sergey. He built it last summer and the top wasn't sanded down enough so when it was stained it looked terrible. So I sanded it all down.
Xander helped too.
And put 3 or 4 coats on the top surface, 2 or 3 on everything else. It turned out pretty good.
Xander helped too.
And put 3 or 4 coats on the top surface, 2 or 3 on everything else. It turned out pretty good.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
helicopter updates
While completing the helicopter tear down I found the turbo's under the seat.
Whew! I thought they were lost! They were also there with a mighty huge mouse house. Full of dirt and poop and stink. Those boards will need replacing.
Today I spent the morning buying new parts and using my new (craigslist) table saw to make the back, top, and bottom pieces. I had to borrow my neighbors jigsaw to make the round cuts for the sides. I tried using the router for the windows in the back wall and they turned out terrible and I had to recut the back wall. A jigsaw was my only option. The sides don't match perfectly, but neither did the originals.
Tomorrow I plan on assembling the cabin and maybe build the skids.
Oh, and the only thing I was able to keep was the pvc. Plastic lasts forever, plywood doesn't. I thought I might be able to keep the steps, but I realized that even those are rotted out.
And thanks Mandy for the paint theme idea! I'll go with the bumblebee colors. I'm going to try and commission the neighbor lady to paint a tough looking bumblebee on the sides.
Whew! I thought they were lost! They were also there with a mighty huge mouse house. Full of dirt and poop and stink. Those boards will need replacing.
Today I spent the morning buying new parts and using my new (craigslist) table saw to make the back, top, and bottom pieces. I had to borrow my neighbors jigsaw to make the round cuts for the sides. I tried using the router for the windows in the back wall and they turned out terrible and I had to recut the back wall. A jigsaw was my only option. The sides don't match perfectly, but neither did the originals.
Tomorrow I plan on assembling the cabin and maybe build the skids.
Oh, and the only thing I was able to keep was the pvc. Plastic lasts forever, plywood doesn't. I thought I might be able to keep the steps, but I realized that even those are rotted out.
And thanks Mandy for the paint theme idea! I'll go with the bumblebee colors. I'm going to try and commission the neighbor lady to paint a tough looking bumblebee on the sides.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
the story of a boy and his helicopter
When I was a mere boy, my grandpa built me a helicopter. It was made out of pvc pipes, plywood, 2x4s and had a cb. It didn't fly, but it was really cool. So now, years gone by, the helicopter was passed to my cousins and now it has been passed to Xander and Josie. Being that it is made of plywood and is more than 25 years old it needs some rework.
Here is a picture before I started the rework. That's the plexiglass window in the cockpit. The rod across the front is a support.
Here is an interesting fact about my grandpa, he only bought green and yellow paint. I swear. And my uncle kept with that same theme when he repainted it for my cousins, but just a different shade.
Here is a picture of the propeller, it's going to be replaced. Can't fly rescue missions with a bum whirlybird.
After Xander got up from his nap he helped me take the rear rudder and the roof off.
The rear rudder is broken in the middle and needs to be replaced. The part where it is broken is where the rear roof fastened to the rear tail.
Here are the cockpit controls. No wonder it never flew, no fuel or oil. I'll have to add some more switches and buttons. Another 10 or so just might send Xander into toddler ecstasy. That boy loves switches.
I got all the parts with it except for the turbo pipes. Those were just 5" diameter pvc pipes mounted on the rear roof.
Any suggestions on color?
Here is a picture before I started the rework. That's the plexiglass window in the cockpit. The rod across the front is a support.
Here is an interesting fact about my grandpa, he only bought green and yellow paint. I swear. And my uncle kept with that same theme when he repainted it for my cousins, but just a different shade.
Here is a picture of the propeller, it's going to be replaced. Can't fly rescue missions with a bum whirlybird.
After Xander got up from his nap he helped me take the rear rudder and the roof off.
The rear rudder is broken in the middle and needs to be replaced. The part where it is broken is where the rear roof fastened to the rear tail.
Here are the cockpit controls. No wonder it never flew, no fuel or oil. I'll have to add some more switches and buttons. Another 10 or so just might send Xander into toddler ecstasy. That boy loves switches.
I got all the parts with it except for the turbo pipes. Those were just 5" diameter pvc pipes mounted on the rear roof.
Any suggestions on color?
Friday, August 7, 2009
gross
I was helping my brother in law move last night and boy do I have stories for you!
I was holding one end of a loveseat, we turned it upside down to set it in the back of the truck and as we did a fingernail clipping fell out onto my arm. How disgusting is that?
In his defense this is a hand-me-down couch and who has done what on it. Still, someone chewed on their fingernail and either spit/dropped/threw/lost it in the loveseat.
The fingernail was in addition to all the crumbs other clods of dirt that fell out of it when we turned it over. The fingernail just happened to land on my arm and not bounce off.
I was holding one end of a loveseat, we turned it upside down to set it in the back of the truck and as we did a fingernail clipping fell out onto my arm. How disgusting is that?
In his defense this is a hand-me-down couch and who has done what on it. Still, someone chewed on their fingernail and either spit/dropped/threw/lost it in the loveseat.
The fingernail was in addition to all the crumbs other clods of dirt that fell out of it when we turned it over. The fingernail just happened to land on my arm and not bounce off.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Vick
Did Michael Vick commit a crime?
Yes.
Did Micheal Vick go to jail for the crime he committed?
Yes.
Does Micheal Vick deserve to be figuratively nailed to a cross for the rest of his life for the crime he paid for with jail time?
No. Leave him alone.
Yes.
Did Micheal Vick go to jail for the crime he committed?
Yes.
Does Micheal Vick deserve to be figuratively nailed to a cross for the rest of his life for the crime he paid for with jail time?
No. Leave him alone.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
clarification
Ikkin: A bunch means 2 diaper boxes full of cds. Which when I went downstairs and counted turned out to be 233. This includes full length albums, singles and burned stuff. Plus around 40 in our two vehicles and another 10 or so lullabys and disney things and kid stuff.
Sergey: Yes, I still have the 40 GB one from you and the 80 GB. I'm not sure the 80 GB will work with my computer since it is a SATA and I don't have a sata hard drive. Plus, I'm a goober because I looked on my hard drive and I've got over a 100 GB of space left. I'll probably go to half price books tonight.
Asa: Thanks, I'll give CD-ex a look.
So if I have around 280 cd's with an average of 12 songs per cd that gives me around 3360 tracks. So I guess I don't have as much music as I thought. I probably have 15 versions of evenflow. I can't ever get enough of that!
Thanks guys!
Sergey: Yes, I still have the 40 GB one from you and the 80 GB. I'm not sure the 80 GB will work with my computer since it is a SATA and I don't have a sata hard drive. Plus, I'm a goober because I looked on my hard drive and I've got over a 100 GB of space left. I'll probably go to half price books tonight.
Asa: Thanks, I'll give CD-ex a look.
So if I have around 280 cd's with an average of 12 songs per cd that gives me around 3360 tracks. So I guess I don't have as much music as I thought. I probably have 15 versions of evenflow. I can't ever get enough of that!
Thanks guys!
Monday, June 29, 2009
looking for ideas
I've got a bunch of cds that I don't listen to anymore but I don't want to throw out. I'd like to rip them to my pc but it's only 160 GB hard drive and I'm afraid it won't be enough room.
I'm looking to either buy a 2nd computer with a huge internal or external hard drive to rip all the music or find some boombox or home stereo with a hard drive and a cd drive to rip all my cds.
Any ideas or suggestions?
I think I might be leaning towards getting a cheap refurbed computer at microcenter for around 100 bucks, a 500 GB hard drive for another 100 bucks and going with that....
I'm looking to either buy a 2nd computer with a huge internal or external hard drive to rip all the music or find some boombox or home stereo with a hard drive and a cd drive to rip all my cds.
Any ideas or suggestions?
I think I might be leaning towards getting a cheap refurbed computer at microcenter for around 100 bucks, a 500 GB hard drive for another 100 bucks and going with that....
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
an update
A picture update of what we've been up to lately.
Xander's black eye. It was a little darker than this but now it's starting to fade a bit. Those ornery swingsets.
Our new kitchen sink and faucet. From 6.5" to 8" deep! Whooo hooo! Thanks to Amanda's dad for the help.
We had some whip cream in our fridge. Amanda's biggest concern was the expiration date on the whip cream, not the fact that I was giving our son whip cream directly from the aerosol can. I was hoping his fingers would be strong enough to operate the nozzle and I was going to let him make a big old mess in the backyard. Alas, we'll have to try again next year when his hand strength improves.
Fun at my 30th birthday party with sidewalk chalk! Yes, I wore that shirt to work on my birthday. No, there is no dimmer or off switch on that shirt. Yes, I'm going to keep on wearing it because I am awesome.
Xander's black eye. It was a little darker than this but now it's starting to fade a bit. Those ornery swingsets.
Our new kitchen sink and faucet. From 6.5" to 8" deep! Whooo hooo! Thanks to Amanda's dad for the help.
We had some whip cream in our fridge. Amanda's biggest concern was the expiration date on the whip cream, not the fact that I was giving our son whip cream directly from the aerosol can. I was hoping his fingers would be strong enough to operate the nozzle and I was going to let him make a big old mess in the backyard. Alas, we'll have to try again next year when his hand strength improves.
Fun at my 30th birthday party with sidewalk chalk! Yes, I wore that shirt to work on my birthday. No, there is no dimmer or off switch on that shirt. Yes, I'm going to keep on wearing it because I am awesome.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
...almost there...
I'm almost 30. I had some thoughts on this when I was out in California a couple of weeks ago. I wrote them down in my journal and wanted to share them here; however, my journal is ALL THE WAY UPSTAIRS. So it's from memory.
Basically, I'm doing my best to quite that big whining voice in my head that says "oh crap I'm getting old". The way I see it, I'm in my prime. I'm on the peak. I'm on the crest of the wave. I'm going to ride this puppy for all it's worth. I've never surfed before, but the way I see it is I'm in the tunnel on my board. The wave is rising up behind me on my right, curved over my head and crashing into a mound of foam behind me on my left.
Whhhoooosh!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CXiWfcsNco
Let me ride.
Basically, I'm doing my best to quite that big whining voice in my head that says "oh crap I'm getting old". The way I see it, I'm in my prime. I'm on the peak. I'm on the crest of the wave. I'm going to ride this puppy for all it's worth. I've never surfed before, but the way I see it is I'm in the tunnel on my board. The wave is rising up behind me on my right, curved over my head and crashing into a mound of foam behind me on my left.
Whhhoooosh!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CXiWfcsNco
Let me ride.
Monday, May 11, 2009
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