getting my money's worth |

Ice the mice!

June 18. Day 353.

A few months ago, I discovered mice in our garage and attic.

A company hired by the property manager came over the inspect and putz around the back yard. One of the company’s representatives gave me his personal card, saying to call him in case of problems, because he wanted to make sure [...]

getting my money's worth |

Best leather?

June 13. Day 348.

For four days, I’ve been doing research. There are a few leather items I’ve been wanting to buy — a little something for Mr. A, a few accessories for friends, and one special piece for a friend who’s about to celebrate a birthday, graduation, and a promotion.

In Florence over the course of [...]

dining out |

Can I have some ice cream? Or, how not to ask

June 2. Day 337.

I asked for several things but chose this episode because it’s a useful counterexample.

Here goes:

I decided to skip lunch and go straight for coffee and dessert. Bad, so bad — but so so good!!! I entered a gelateria, asked for a cup (i.e. not a cone), half strawberry half pineapple.

I sat down [...]

getting my money's worth |

top secret auto mechanic ninja interrogation techniques

May 21. Day 325.

Today, I asked for something involving Mr. A’s car, which was with a mechanic for two days.

I started typing it here — the set up, the dialogue — but it was really uninteresting. Basically: I confirmed that the mechanic did what he was supposed to, against evidence that he was being sneaky. [...]

asking online |

Met a reader, met a weaver, and slashed $192 off a hotel rate

May 20. Day 324.

Triple wammy.

1. Met a reader!

After trading a few emails with Claire, whose comments here I always enjoy and who started her own daily blog a few weeks ago called We Love Escondido, we decided to “make the leap” and meet in person. Claire’s blog has news and views about her community, she [...]