Members' Blogs

Because I live alone, I produce little amount of trash at kitchen.  Also, I wish to throw out trash every day to keep my kitchen fresh. 

Trash bags cost money, so I came up with this setup.

I put this blue bucket inside my trash can (blue bucket is upside down)

Like this

Now I can use smaller & much cheaper trash bags.

I use:

• Kirkland Signature's Wastebasket Liners.
• 10 gallons.
• 500 bags for $7.89
• Less than 2 Pennies a bag.

FYI:

I have a busy few weeks coming up.
I have a lot of work backed up.
I am not going anywhere. I will be checking this website frequently as usual.

But, I don't think I will have time to post too much stuff.

We'll see...

Talk to you later.

PS. Send me greetings.

Long shoe horn

Even if I am (somewhat) fit and have 31 Inch waist, I find it uncomfortable to bend over to tie my shoes.  Doing it sitting down is not helping too much either.  I remembered this long shoe horn from my grandparents' house.  I had to buy one for myself.  Now I understand why old folks own these.

Quick FYI:

Time Warner charges $1.99 for "Unlisted" Phone number.
But, Time Warner doesn't have phone book.

So, you do not need to pay $1.99 for unlisted phone number

I'm still very busy... :(

Took this picture on August 25, 2010 - Exactly 4 months before Christmas. 

 Here's Rudolph singing with Alvin, Simon, & Theodore

Related Blog:
Shopping For Neckties - Internet Spoils Me (August 12, 2010)

I have a new obsession.
I've been buying silk neckties.

All my life I have waited for the day I trash all my used, smelly ties I bought from Goodwill stores and thrift stores.

I spent $100.00 so far on ties (in 3 weeks)
I try not to buy any more ties, but I find myself looking at neckties online.. hour at a time.

When I watch TV news, I look at news anchors' neckties.  I have a few favorite anchor men picked out (yikes, doesn't sound good), and I watch what kind of ties they wear every day.  When I see any kind of TV show or movie, I look at their suits, shirts, and ties.  It's very interesting how they match their ties with rest of their clothes.  If Jay Leno has a male guest and he is wearing suit and tie? I would sit up on the bed to check out his tie.

(I would completely ignore female guests with skimpy dress.  Please, I'm sleepy...  and old.)

I think about neckties so much it makes my head spin.

What's so stupid is that I rarely wear ties. 

I daydream about going somewhere formal.  Of course, I would look smashing with my new silk tie. And people would fall in love with me.

My daydream sequence kinda goes something like this:

"Wow, who is that guy?"
"He's new here. His name is John"
"I really like his look... I like his tie"
"I know, I would like to be his friend" 

Hahaha...

Anyway, so far, I learned...

• Necktie is an important clothing item.
• A tie can make or break a person's image.
• A grown men should avoid wearing cheap ties.
• My rule of thumb: If you can afford $100.00 pants, you should own $100.00 ties. ($50.00 ties for $50.00 pants owners, & etc...)
• A classic, luxury look will never go away.
• It's easy to spot cheap ties. Don't think you can fool us with cheap ties.
• A tie should be worn full Windsor (maybe a half Windsor) - But avoid skinny quick knot.

Costco Business Outfit:

At Costco, you can buy a pair of nice slack ($22) and a white shirt ($17).  Then put on a nice tie - you are gonna look sharp at your office.

Costco Chocolate Cake.

This is what I have in the refrigerator right now.  They taste better cold.

So amazing...

I went to Baja Fresh with a friend - Yes, I used a coupon. ($5.00 off on $15.00 purchase).  It was a glorious lunch.

As we enjoyed lunch, I complained to my friend about Costco not carrying 31" waist pants.  I also told her that I couldn't find a pair of black sneakers (good ones like Nike or Adidas).

I needed a good pair of black sneakers.  I do wedding photography during the weekend.  My feet kill me when I work on my feet 7-8 hours in dress shoes.  I wear a nice pair of dress shoes during the day time (purchased May 15, 2009).  But, at night (reception) I plan to wear a pair of black sneakers.   In the dark situation, people will not notice if I am wearing dress shoes or sneakers.  I am willing to spend big bucks on my sneakers.  I must look sharp at formal events.

Anyway, my friend took some time to convince me that I needed to shop outside of Costco.  So, we made a spur of the moment decision. We topped off our soda cups and drove down to the outlet mall.

I went to Gap and easily found 31' waist pants in various designs and materials.  I picked out 3 pairs of jeans.  I also found a shirt that I liked very much.  When I checked out, I got a Gap Visa card and got extra 15% off. 

I paid about $22.00 each on the jeans (not bad). I spent total $91.97

Then we went to Nike store and got a pair of black sneakers for $75.76.

Took this picture on the kitchen table with my P&S camera

I am happy with today's purchase.  I shall do laundry tomorrow.

I had fun shopping.  My friend was a sport.  She stuck around.

But, seriously, this was a significant turning point.

From this point, I will not settle with slightly smaller or slightly bigger pants from Costco.  From this point, I will only buy the pants that fit perfectly.  I hope Costco will carry 31" waist pants.  But, since Costco doesn't carry my size pants, I will shop at local outlet mall for clothes.

I am afraid that my clothes shopping days at Costco is over.  We have a wicked huge outlet mall that contains every imaginable store in the world (check it out).  Once I start shopping there, I am very likely to fall in love with what they have to offer (perfect fit & variety).

PS:

I understand Costco's position.  Average men's waist size in the US is 40 Inches.  This puts me in minority.  I understand that Costco made a strategic decision not to sell 31" waist pants and I respect that.

Welcome new visitors! 

* Click here for official Costco egg recall announcement (MN, IN, IL, IW, WI, NE)

* As of August 23, 2010, this story is still developing. 

FYI:  So far, 500,000,000 eggs have recalled.   This is 2% of all eggs produced in the US annually.

###

Story on nationwide egg recall is still developing. You may own tainted eggs and maybe they don't know about it.  I hope, by now, you have small amount of older eggs left that you can simply start with a new batch and forget about everything.

I eat 4 Costco eggs every day (4 whites, 2 yolks). I have never stopped eating Costco eggs since Salmonella outbreak.  I still have about a dozen older eggs and I intend to eat them all.

My eggs are packaged from Norco Ranch (Ca).  At first, I thought Norco Ranch eggs are safe.  Later, I learned that Norco eggs were pulled from the market as well (Related News).  Some reported getting sick after eating Norco Ranch bought from Costco.

So, at this point, I don't know what to say about this topic.  Some reports are not confirmed. Just be careful.   Keep up with the news and use common sense.  When it doubt, trash your eggs and start fresh.

Take care everyone.

* Click here for official Costco egg recall announcement (MN, IN, IL, IW, WI, NE)

News Article on First Egg Recall

Click for complete news

###

...Its eggs were distributed to wholesalers and food service companies nationwide under multiple brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph's, Boomsma's, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps.

...(cartons) are marked with plant numbers P-1026, P-1413 and P-1946.

News Article on Second Egg Recall

Click for a complete news

###

Hillandale said the eggs covered by its recall were distributed to grocery distribution centers, retail grocery stores and food-service companies that service or are located in Arkansas, California, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.

The eggs were distributed under the following brand names: Hillandale Farms, Sunny Farms, and Sunny Meadow in 6-egg cartons, dozen-egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, 30-egg packages, and 5-dozen cases. Loose eggs were packaged under the following brand names: Wholesome Farms and West Creek in 15 and 30-dozen tray packs, Hillandale said in a news release.

* Click here for official Costco egg recall announcement (MN, IN, IL, IW, WI, NE)

I was looking forward to today's Costco shopping. 
I was hoping to find black jeans & black sneakers.

I went to Costco before 5pm

I thought 1+ hour of shopping time will be enough.

But time flew.. I ended up rushing up and down the store to complete my shopping list.  I needed more time.  I didn't fully enjoy the shopping experience. Hm...

Costco Pants:

I have one complaint about Costco. Costco doesn't carry 31" waist pants.  I believe I look the best in 31 waist pants.  Costco rarely carry 31" waist pants.   They always have 30 & 32 waist sizes.  They usually skip on 31" waist.

I have several blue jeans in size 30 waist.  I can only fit into them when I am really good with diet & exercise.  I need bigger jeans.

Today, I bought a pair of Calvin Klein blue jeans in 32 inch waist.

They are too big... really big.  So I need to take these pants back.

I am a little frustrated that there are no 31 Inch waist pants in Costco.

I couldn't find black jeans & black sneakers.  I may have to go elsewhere for clothes.

Chocolate Cake:

I didn't have chocolate cake for the longest time.  I couldn't fight the urge today, so I bought one.  I plan to freeze half and enjoy it slowly.

What you don't see: Chocolate cake, 5 dozen eggs, extra sharp cheddar cheese, ravioli, cilantro lime shrimps.

I spent $124.35.  Coupon saved me $12.00
Then I put some gas in my car.

It should have been a better shopping experience.   It was just OK.
1 hour is not enough for me to enjoy shopping at Costco.
I needed more time (stupid, stupid...)

This video doesn't show my computers. It only shows my monitors.

I do a lot of work at home.  I have a lot of websites. 

I need multiple computers & monitors.

I only have 24 friends on facebook. I only keep close friends and family on my facebook. Some people have 400, 500, 1000+ friends in their facebook account. That's not how you use facebook. You cannot put hundreds of total strangers along with your family members. There is no way you can have meaningful relationship with 400 people at once.

Anyway, below is some of my old posts from facebook:

• Working on an ultimate Star Wars movie for Labor Day. So, when I hit "Play" all 6 episodes will play back-to-back without showing opening & ending credits. But, should I start with episode 4 or episode 1? (my g/f said "Start with episode Geek").
• (picture) With 5 times Grammy award winner Al Jarreau. At his kitchen. It was 1999. Long story...
• (picture) T-Shirt ($3.00), Pants ($13.00), Glasses ($13.00 frame, lens, & shipping). Shoes ($45 - 4 yrs old). Homer Simpson coffee mug ($5.00). I had my hair cut 6 months ago ($14.00). And I proudly belong to no gym.
• It's very easy for me to prove that I am not a racist. I just whip out the photo-album of my ex girlfriends. A Wal*mart version of Miss Universe going on there... (and special Olympics)
• I should change my match.com profile subject to - "Babies OK, just don't be crazy"
• Some teenager boy asked me if I was famous. I said "no". He was pissed. He walked away and said "All I wanted was an autograph..."
• thinking maybe I should start wearing vests as my signature look...
• Sick of people stealin' my soda. I swear, I will put Viagra in my next soda, so it will be easier to find the culprit. "Will the real soda thief please stand up, please stand up, please stand up..."
• Good morning, it's 7am. I'm gonna brew coffee and go to supermarket... :)
• Making corned beef brisket (for one). No cabbage... cabbage was not on sale. :(
• (pictures) I try to tell them that I can eat a lot. But people don't seem to understand what I mean by "A LOT". So, here is a picture album of a lunch last year. (38 sushis, 6 green mussels, 8 quail eggs)
• You cannot be my friend if you have more than 400 friends. No hard feelings if I delete you (you will probably not notice anyway).
• (picture) And they say I don't have good taste in music.
  
• I bought a box of facial cleansing tissues. This is brilliant. Now I don't have to go wash my face. I just wipe as I watch TV. Let's see what other feminine care products I can play with.
• (pictures) I was out to Costco to relax. You tell me, do I look relaxed and happy? I forget all about work and stress... shopping is good. Life is good.
• Very tired and stressed. Going to Costco to relax (and to pick up a case of Red Bull). I guess I will eat out...
• (video of Marshal Tucker) I met Marshall Tucker on Dec 2002 at backstage of Key Club (Hollywood). I shook his hand and took some pictures. Love this song.
• finished grocery shopping at midnight. Just brewed coffee. Burning midnight oil and loving it. A lot of personal web projects to take care of. I'm a geek and I'm proud...
• (picture of my mother) OK Mofos, my mother is now in facebook. Everyone chill... Say hello to my mother.
• Yesterday one of my dates called. She said "I have a surprise for you. You will like it. Can you guess what?". So, I replied "You are a man?". She didn't like my joke. I thought it was pretty funny. Hm...
• Last week I bought 6 pairs of pants, 12 t-shirts, & 2 pairs of eyeglasses. I am old, single, thin, and I like clothes. What was the single word to describe that? - OK don't tell me. :(
• (picture) It took me 6 months. But, I am back to 30 inch waist. I look 10 yrs younger except for the age-spots.
• ‎7am. I had absolutely no sleep. Can't wait to Monday so I can sleep at work. I figured, I might as well get paid for it.
• Hates it when a girl posts her picture at Match.com but the picture shows two girls side by side wearing similar cloths. So, what am I to do? I cannot ask her "Are you the one with the hooters? or are you the ugly one?" - Quite the conundrum.
• Going to see my parents. I'll be back around 4-6pm. God bless everyone.

These are hot sauces I have now.

I put them in the order of preference from left to right.

1. Blair's After Death Sauce is my favorite.  It's really hot but it's got exotic flavor. This was the most expensive one ($5-$6)
2. Castillo's Salsa Habanera is from Mexico.  I bought 2 bottles when I went to Mexico. It quickly became my #2.
3. Tapatio is my general purpose hot sauce. This is the cheapest from the lineup ($.59)
4. Ralphs (California Supermarket Chain) hot sauce is #4 but I still like it a lot.
5. One on the right is the newest one.  I hate this.  It's going to the trash.  It tastes so bad that I think maybe I have a bad copy.

*I like Tabasco, but I don't have it (too expensive for what it does).  If I had Tabasco, it will be my #3.  Tabasco is excellent on pizza.

Costco coupon book is here~~

I don't see much to buy from this coupon book (Thank God).

I clipped coupons for just 4 items.

2 items do not require coupons, but I clipped them as a reminder.

I may buy 4 (max limit) bottles of hand sanitizers.  They will be $2.49 each.  That's a very good price.

I look forward to try out Soup & Ravioli.  They look pretty good to me.

I would like to announce that I am now an executive member at Costco.

Thank you, thank you...

The lady looked up my account and said "This membership will pay for itself, because you spend so much money here"...

I didn't get the black membership card.  Because I use American Express card as a membership, there was no need to take picture & etc...

Whole process took only several minutes.

This is the cutest...

Picture sent by a member.  Thank you.

This is a rare picture, very special... 1st birthday cake by Costco?  I don't think I will ever see that again in my lifetime.

costco sheet cake

This is an example on how Internet can spoil you.

I was shopping for some neckties.

Currently, I have 2 dozen or so neckties.  They are very old (10-30 years old.).  A lot of my neckties are from thrift stores.  I paid average $0.50 each.  Some ties had sweat stains when I bought them.  I was perfectly happy with used sweaty ties.  I know how to stay satisfied within my own financial ability.  Of course, I always try to improve myself.

Anyway...
I thought it was about time I replace those sweaty ties with new ones.

My budget was about $10.00 a tie - $45.00 total budget.

I went to eBay and searched for ties in $10 range.  Below picture shows typical silk ties in $10 range.  I thought they looked pretty nice, much better than the ones I have.

I managed to pick out a few sellers and put them as my favorite sellers.  I was happy and excited about those cheap but nice silk ties.

I was ready to make a purchase.

Right before making purchase, I thought I would take a look at some of the expansive ties.  I wanted to see what the rich bugers are wearing.  And I found Donald Trump collection.  They were all around $25.00 each.  And they looked like these

I was blown away by their elegant design.

After seeing these, I could no longer purchase $10 ties.  I just couldn't.

Anyway, I am going to buy 2-3 ties from Donald Trump collection for now.  I shall get more ties as I feel the need.  I am going back to eBay.   Wish me luck~!! 

I hope I don't get obsessed about buying ties.  You know I get obsessed easily.  You know what happened with my Shopping for Eyeglasses project.  Yikes...

TGIF everyone.

I am thinking about taking my parents to dinner tomorrow after work.

These are pictures from Costco at  Tukwilla,  Washington.
Thank you for sending me these pictures.

They look so strange with blue.

Related Pictures: Coke at Oxnard Costco, CA (June 11, 2010)

Do you guys listen to public radio station?

I listen to very little radio. 

Local NPR (National Public Radio) station is one of a few stations I listen to.

I listen to NPR station as I get ready for work in weekday mornings (I have a radio in the bathroom).  That's about it.

But, during the weekend, I try to catch 2 programs.  I usually miss them, but, sometimes I catch the show.  They are pretty enjoyable with coffee or tea.

They are This American Life, and A Prairie Home Companion.

I give you a little sample.

• This American Life - Episode 401 "Parent Trap
  • From above link, click "STREAM EPISODE"
  • A good story about "Lucy" starts at 25:00 (minutes) - you can fast forward.
• A Prairie Home Companion - "Guy Noir" (beow)
  • Guy Noir is a recurring skit (episode) they do every week.

Here's Part 2 if you are dying to find out what happens...