Appliance Delivery Day 2

OK

I did not really get any phone calls back yesterday in regards to my phone calls. I did however get some deliveries.

At 7:30 in the morning I receive a phone call from the Best Buy Delivery Guy. <~~~It rhymes!!!! I told him, "I guess you didn't get the message from your office that nobody will be at the house?". He said, "No". He didn't deliver my fridge and said someone will call to reschedule. I never received a phone call yet for delivery.

I'm sorry, but I'm not driving out once again in the ice to wait for a delivery and drive in early morning traffic.

I did go to the house at 10ish am. Maida and I finished painting the bathrooms, and touching up my office, and the first floor. Painting is essentially done. I am going to be paint the masterbathroom toilet room today though.

I was able to accept delivery of from Home Depot,so I have my double oven range and washer. The dryer had some dents though, so the delivery guys took it back and ordered me a new one to arrive on the 4th of December.

I will be waiting today for the cable guy and home security people.

Waiting for Home Delivery BITES!!!

OK. Long Rant!!!

Yesterday was the result of a bad snow storm from the night prior. Most of the sideroads were iced, but the highway and main streets were pretty good.

My appliances were supposed to be delivered yesterday. I still don't live at my home as it's not ready, and I don't have appliances like a fridge to store food, etc...

Anyhow, an automated message was left on my voicemail from Home Depot stating a delivery time of 9am to 1pm. Best Buy gave me a delivery time of 330pm to 530pm. So ok, I braved the "elements" to drive to my house to wait for the delivery guys. I got there no problem, as the roads were pretty ok.

While waiting, I examine the previous days paint job, touched up some paint areas on the first floor (and created another area I now have to touch up later this morning), and some paint areas in my office (and again create a problem area that I have to touch up) and then add the second coat of the first color in the master bedroom. I also finished installing the pendant lights for the kitchen breakfast counter.

Best Buy calls around 1230pm stating they can't deliver today. OK, they tell me they are going to call with a delivery time. 1pm rolls around and still no home depot guy. OK. I make calls to setup a consultation with Brinks and ADT home security. Around 130pm I call the Home Depot Deliver to find out what's up with my delivery. An automated message states that due to the weather the office is closed, and no deliveries can be made because of the weather and that if I was to receive a delivery today, I would receive a phone call.

Well I didn't get any phone call, and I left a message to the Home Depot Delivery nearly yelling, but still keeping my composure that it was not my job to inform myself that they weren't making deliveries, yada, yada, yada.

I go home and take a nap after working all morning, and wake up and find several messages on my voice mail. Home Depot automated messages called again around 430pm telling me they won't be delivering today and that my delivery has been rescheduled for the next day from YUP!!! 9am to 1pm and then Best Buy called and will deliver from 7am to 9pm.

I call Best Buy and almost yelled on my voicemail to them again that 7am - 9am will not work and is an inconvenience for me.

Basically, I am not a happy camper. I understand weather problems, but it is the companies responsibility to notify their customers in a timely fashion that a delivery will not be made, and then Best Buy should deliver with in a reasonable time line. 7am is way to damn early.

There is supposed to be another bout of snow falling today. So I am not risking myself, driving to be at the house at 7am. I will make them deliver on my timeline!!!

I will be waiting for responses to those fairly terse voice mails.

Rant Over!!!

Painting the House Day 1

So yesterday, we took on the challenge of painting the interior of the house.

Builders beige is just not my color anymore. After always watching those home improvement shows in TLC and Discovery made me want something different. I have always lived in a home with the standard paint, no uniqueness.

Well now that I have my own place, this was my chance to continue to put my mark on the house.

The day started out with Maida and I going to Home Depot for supplies. We wound up choosing around 6 or 7 different colors for the whole house. We also picked up a cool area rug, some lights to mount underneath the kitchen cabinets, new showers heads from Delta, some new pendant lights for the breakfast counter, and of course some Behr Paint.

Anyhow, my crew consisted of Maida, my brother Marlon, his girlfriend Lori, my friend Ez and my mom and dad. It was the first time that Maida and Ez painted. So it was a cool experience for them. My brother on the other hand, kept going past edges and painted window glass.

Here are some pics of the before, my crew, myself, and the after.

Enjoy!!!
Overall, it was a good day, great time with friends and family and we got some work accomplished!!!
Today, I go back to home depot to pick up some more supplies, then we finish up the powder room downstairs, touch up some edges, then move up to the bedroom floors.

A Sad State of Affairs

Hi All

On Thursday, my family received sad news that my mothers sister passed away while on Vacation to the Philippines.

They are still trying to bring her home to Hawaii, so that she may be layed to rest.

Please send a prayer for her and her children.

As it is uncertain when the funeral is, I don't know when I will have to fly out. I will complete my remaining assignments this month, but won't be able to take on any more requests.

Thank you all.

My Week and a Half in Review

I have been so busy this last week and a half, that I haven't had time to post much.

I began my week in Santa Monica, CA to study photography with the great Joe Buissink. As in previous encounters with him, I found him to be a delightful spirit. Not only is he a talented photographer, but he is a very giving soul. His whole mantra is about taking risks and thinking outside the box. In those respects, I intend to bring that to you, my clients. My intention has always to bring great imagery to each wedding that I photograph. I now intend to bring more experimentation to create awesome imagery.

I was also able to reunite with my good friends Laura, Joey, Tricia who attended the workshop with me. I truly enjoyed visiting with them again as they each live in Iowa, California, and Texas respectively. I saw a great improvement in their photography and growth in their abilities which just amazed me.

I met a lot more photographers from all over the U.S. plus one from Lebanon and another from the Dominican Republic, all of whom I now truly miss. This group had just wonderful chemistry.

On a sad note. I did NOT get to eat at In and Out Burger.



On to the House!!!
I closed on the house Tuesday the 14th, but as you know I was in California. I signed paperworks the Friday before I left, and on Tuesday, the mortgage broker, seller and all involved called congratulating me telling me I can pick up my keys anytime. I finally picked up my keys Saturday morning. My mom and Maida accompanied me.



WooHoo!!! I now have a new home!!!

Later that day I went to home depot to purchase these babies. Maytag Epic Washer and Maytag Epic Dryer and Maytag Double Oven Stove
Problem was, my debit card wouldn't take. So that blew. Monday morning, I called the bank, and they said that the cards have a $3k limit. I went in and paid for the things after they mad an temporary limit adjustment. They will arrive next week.

Tuesday this puppy, theLG Fridge, was ordered and will be arriving next week.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving, Turkey Day, and just plain great week.

My Birthday Weekend!!! AND Prepping for LA

Hey All

As of Saturday I turned 27!!!

I had a small get birthday party at my parents home, just a few friends and family. It was important for my parents as they feel it may be the last birthday I celebrate at their home as my new home is complete. My parents cooked a ton of food. I unfortunately don't have pictures of the food but trust me, it was some good eats!!! I was more focused on eating than taking pictures this go around.

I had a great time, as my brother was able to celebrate this year with us. Maida was a great help to my mom preparing. She was a trooper as she worked the night before and got off at 730 in the morning.
My Mom


My dads birthday is the 16th, so we both had cake.

Here's my cake!!! Just Simple, but damn good!!!
My dad's cake!!!

My dad cutting his cake

Me and Maida

Me and Ez

We did try to go out a play some bowling before the night was up with my friends Janet, Ez and Maida, but each one we went to was packed with no lanes.

We decided to go back to the house and proceeded to enjoy some Captain Morgan and Coconut rum. These were the after effects. The girls just went giggly!!!
******
Also, as of a few hours ago, I am done packing for my trip to Santa Monica to attend a workshop with Joe Buissink. I fly out in the morning. You may recall, I went to Vermont earlier this year to study with him, but he unfortunately had a heart attack. He promised to make it up to us later, and now it is later. He is in good health, strong and good spirits. I look forward to studying with him, and adding more to my artistic arsenal to provide my clients with beautiful wedding photography.

Bonus to me is that I get to find an In and Out to munch on a Double Double, and I also get to spend time with my friends Laura and Tricia again.

And of course, a picture of the exterior of my new house!!!
I pick up keys when I return from LA next weekend.

Contemplation

As my 27th birthday approaches (this Saturday), I have been thinking about all of the events and people in my life. I come to realize once again that I have not accomplished everything that I set out for myself, but I have accomplished more than I ever thought I would do. Please be warned some of the things I write will not make much sense.

It will be almost 10 years since high school, a few more since I finished college. I miss alot of those days, but wouldn't want to relive most of them.

Many friends from those days have come and gone. Every now and then I make contact with some. It is great when that happens. I have let most of them go, some in the heat of anger, and others because of different roads traveled. I do miss those whom I once was close to. To those people I do apologize. There were two friends whom I especially appreciated their friendship.

To my family. It has been a rough road these years gone by. Incidences that occurred have scarred me, strengthened me, and help me grow. Regardless, I love you guys. I just hope we all get stronger and closer as the years go by.

To past loves. I would not be that man I am today, without the kindness, compassion, and love that existed. I thank you.

To my love now. I am truly blessed that you stand by me. Believe in me. Care for me. Understand me. Inspire me.

Further more, I stand on the verge of purchasing my second home. Another milestone in my life. King and his castle. It is a scary notion and an exciting chapter.

My career and business are stronger than ever. Both shall continue to gain momentum to help me achieve more out of life.

As I said, I am just ranting. Thanks for listening.

I hope each of you enjoy your day.

My brothers home!!!

My younger brother is finally back home!!!

My brother was in the US Air Force for the last 4 years. He was stationed in Germany, Louisianna, Kuwait and back to Louisianna.

Well he outprocessed from the Air Force on Monday, had his belongings packed up by movers on Tuesday, hopped in his car with his girlfriend Lori and showed up on my parents doorstep around 8pm.

My mother opened the door, and was just speachless. She was in so much shock she couldn't believe he was actually at the door.

WELCOME HOME!!!!

Now go to school and get a JOB!!!! Hahahaha....