The few items that needed to be refrigerated and had the status of "essential," ended up in a cooler on the counter. It's amazing how much of what we keep in the fridge really doesn't need to stay in there.
The repair guy came, checked the compressor, and told me, basically, that I had cleaned my fridge for the garbage man. That was it. It was done. Finished. Kaput. Time to move on.
I got on the phone with an appliance company that I very much enjoy using, and had a nice discussion with the sales woman as to what my options were. Of course they don't make my exact fridge anymore, that would be too simple. They make just two models that are almost exactly what I had, but not. And the colors and the options available had also changed. Alrighty. Now I had to make decisions. I vacillated back and forth a few times, still unsure what to do. I weighed the pros and cons of each model, and just could not decide. I'm usually very good at BIG decisions like this, it's the small things (what to wear, what to order in a restaurant) that give me some pause.
As I am in the throes of full on indecision, the phone rings.
"Hi, is this F.....BB"
"Yes, it is."
"Hi I'm calling from Alliance Incorporated, we'd like to know if you would like an extended warranty on your refrigerator."
"Is that for the new fridge I'm about to buy, or is that for my fridge that just died?"
"uh....uh..."
"you picked the wrong day to call!!!"
I kid you not.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Just Call Me O. Henry
My fridge is not working. The repair guy, a super human being, really smart, really kind, the definition of integrity will be here soon. He is such a mentsch that I won't buy extended warranties because I'm not interested in having someone else come in and work on my stuff. (Also, MBB, the numbers man is against them, though I'm not sure if that's on some principle or a reasoned argument). This guy will always try to help you over the phone, and gives you tips that basically decrease his house calls, but he does it anyway.
The problem started yesterday, and he came, and adjusted the door, which hadn't been closing properly, and probably over taxed the motor (The Obama door!), and he showed me some things I could do, and said "let's see if this is enough," charged me for the minimum repair call, and told me to be in touch.
A few hours later there was no change. The fridge and freezer were no colder, and something had to happen. I called and he told me to take everything out of the fridge, turn it off for six hours, then turn it back on, and see what happened.
So last evening we emptied the freezer first, got rid of some things that have been in there for a few years (we sell that freezer for Pesach), put other things in the second freezer, and then got to work on the fridge. Some stuff went on the counter (condiments and fruit), some stuff went to my parents' fridge, and some stuff I really needed to have for the morning. Y'know the kids' lunches, milk,cream cheese...essentials.
Where's a micro fridge when you need one?
The problem started yesterday, and he came, and adjusted the door, which hadn't been closing properly, and probably over taxed the motor (The Obama door!), and he showed me some things I could do, and said "let's see if this is enough," charged me for the minimum repair call, and told me to be in touch.
A few hours later there was no change. The fridge and freezer were no colder, and something had to happen. I called and he told me to take everything out of the fridge, turn it off for six hours, then turn it back on, and see what happened.
So last evening we emptied the freezer first, got rid of some things that have been in there for a few years (we sell that freezer for Pesach), put other things in the second freezer, and then got to work on the fridge. Some stuff went on the counter (condiments and fruit), some stuff went to my parents' fridge, and some stuff I really needed to have for the morning. Y'know the kids' lunches, milk,cream cheese...essentials.
Where's a micro fridge when you need one?
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Gift That Keeps Giving Me Grief
So, I turn my back on IcebergCarwash for a little while (which might be analogous to saying that Rip van Winkle took a catnap), essentially turning the management of this site over to FBB, and things go completely haywire.
Just within the past few days, she has done the following:
(1) Blogged about breaking a primary rule of our marriage.
(2) Compared my appearance to that of a "hobo." (Hey FBB, the 1930s called. They want their slang back).
(3) Revealed her plan to have me dress in a similar fashion to that of my 4.7 month old son. (Although I'll admit to having grown fond of my one-sie with the monkeys on it, despite its tendency to cause rather unfortunate chafing).
(4) Demeaned a thoughtful gift I had given her.
Therefore, dear people who are probably only reading this post because they stumbled upon this blog after doing a Google search for the phrase "Arctic Glacier-Scented Turtle Wax," allow me to set the record straight, at least about that last item.
I did not purchase a mini-fridge for FBB. I purchased her a micro-fridge. It was just large enough to hold two bottles of wine. Or two 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor. Or a six pack or so of Diet Coke.
Sure, FBB thought it was a dumb idea, but there were some people who considered it to be quite nifty. Such as the people who made the micro-fridge a veritable staple of the Sharper Image catalogue. The very same people who made The Sharper Image a household name. The people who made The Sharper Image one of the most popular, successful and long-lasting brands in the specialty retail sector...
On second thought, I take it back. The micro-fridge was easily the worst gift idea I've ever conceived...for now.
Just within the past few days, she has done the following:
(1) Blogged about breaking a primary rule of our marriage.
(2) Compared my appearance to that of a "hobo." (Hey FBB, the 1930s called. They want their slang back).
(3) Revealed her plan to have me dress in a similar fashion to that of my 4.7 month old son. (Although I'll admit to having grown fond of my one-sie with the monkeys on it, despite its tendency to cause rather unfortunate chafing).
(4) Demeaned a thoughtful gift I had given her.
Therefore, dear people who are probably only reading this post because they stumbled upon this blog after doing a Google search for the phrase "Arctic Glacier-Scented Turtle Wax," allow me to set the record straight, at least about that last item.
I did not purchase a mini-fridge for FBB. I purchased her a micro-fridge. It was just large enough to hold two bottles of wine. Or two 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor. Or a six pack or so of Diet Coke.
Sure, FBB thought it was a dumb idea, but there were some people who considered it to be quite nifty. Such as the people who made the micro-fridge a veritable staple of the Sharper Image catalogue. The very same people who made The Sharper Image a household name. The people who made The Sharper Image one of the most popular, successful and long-lasting brands in the specialty retail sector...
On second thought, I take it back. The micro-fridge was easily the worst gift idea I've ever conceived...for now.
Don't Pop the Gas Bubble
Is the Israeli government about to kill the golden goose, before it lays its first egg?
According to the Wall Street Journal, a group of oil companies, led by Israel's Delek Energy Ltd. and Texas-based Noble Energy, are about to begin exploratory drilling on what is potentially one of the world's largest natural gas fields. According to seismic data, the Leviathan prospect, located about 85 miles off Israel's northern coast, might hold enough natural gas to supply all of Israel's needs for 100 years. This follows the recent discovery of the offshore Tamar field, which was the world's largest natural gas discovery in 2009.
Needless to say, these developments could be real economic and political game-changers for Israel. Before long, a country that had long been frustrated by its inability to discover any meaningful hydrocarbons in a region which seems to be awash in oil and natural gas could become a net exporter of energy.
However, even on the threshold of such momentous developments, Israel's government seems determined to mess things up. Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz has ordered a review of the methodology through which Israel taxes oil and gas exploration. Some lawmakers are considering an increase in royalty rates on existing leases from 12.5% to 20%, according to the Journal.
While these lawmakers are surely congratulating themselves over their ability to exercise their leverage at a seemingly perfect moment, I find their actions to be foolhardy and reckless. One of Israel's greatest strengths in the energy race is the reputation its business and political sector have garnered as relatively stable and sane entities, in contrast to the rogue states which surround it. Why is Israel suddenly acting like Turkmenistan? Trying to hold its partners over a barrel at this stage will only discourage potential partners from contributing their significant capital and expertise to Israel's nascent energy industry in the coming years. In the oil and gas business, shifting royalty schemes can be a real turn-off. Is Israel really willing to throw away so much long-term benefit in the name of increased short-term tax revenue?
One can only hope that Israel's leaders can quickly be cured of their economic myopia, and that the nation will indeed reap the benefits of these seemingly wonderful opportunities.
According to the Wall Street Journal, a group of oil companies, led by Israel's Delek Energy Ltd. and Texas-based Noble Energy, are about to begin exploratory drilling on what is potentially one of the world's largest natural gas fields. According to seismic data, the Leviathan prospect, located about 85 miles off Israel's northern coast, might hold enough natural gas to supply all of Israel's needs for 100 years. This follows the recent discovery of the offshore Tamar field, which was the world's largest natural gas discovery in 2009.
Needless to say, these developments could be real economic and political game-changers for Israel. Before long, a country that had long been frustrated by its inability to discover any meaningful hydrocarbons in a region which seems to be awash in oil and natural gas could become a net exporter of energy.
However, even on the threshold of such momentous developments, Israel's government seems determined to mess things up. Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz has ordered a review of the methodology through which Israel taxes oil and gas exploration. Some lawmakers are considering an increase in royalty rates on existing leases from 12.5% to 20%, according to the Journal.
While these lawmakers are surely congratulating themselves over their ability to exercise their leverage at a seemingly perfect moment, I find their actions to be foolhardy and reckless. One of Israel's greatest strengths in the energy race is the reputation its business and political sector have garnered as relatively stable and sane entities, in contrast to the rogue states which surround it. Why is Israel suddenly acting like Turkmenistan? Trying to hold its partners over a barrel at this stage will only discourage potential partners from contributing their significant capital and expertise to Israel's nascent energy industry in the coming years. In the oil and gas business, shifting royalty schemes can be a real turn-off. Is Israel really willing to throw away so much long-term benefit in the name of increased short-term tax revenue?
One can only hope that Israel's leaders can quickly be cured of their economic myopia, and that the nation will indeed reap the benefits of these seemingly wonderful opportunities.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
I Broke the Rule
Every marriage has its own set of, for lack of a better word, I'll say RULES. Really more of a mutual understanding that certain actions are just not appreciated by the other spouse, and since there should be some modicum of affection between such spouses, each should respect the other's specific requests. You know, like "please don't invite your brother," type thing.
I alluded in a different post to a change in MBB's appearance. A change that necessitated the purchase of some new clothing, even though he really didn't want to buy anything. A well dressed man like him NEEDS to buy clothing when he looks like a hobo with his cinched pants, the only accoutrement missing a rope belt. No, not a braided belt, a ROPE belt.
Over the years I have learned that no matter how careful and particular I am about an article of clothing I purchase for him, I am just not particular enough. Did I notice that the polo has open sleeves, no I did not. Did it register that he doesn't like textured dress shirts, did I notice what type of collar or stitching, no, no I did not. Thus it was requested of me that I please not buy him clothing.
Ever.
So I didn't. For years and years.
However, I've been doing a lot of boy shopping lately, (my friend is not pleased with my choices, preferring I dress my 4 1/2 month old like a baby. Pffft. I love his newsboy cap and I bought him a tie today...though the latter may just be in my DNA), and MBB has become very easy to shop for. He's still particular, but he can wear anything, and now he has someone who can match him! How fun is that.
As much as I really respect his wishes, most of the time, I just could not resist. He probably would have done a better job, but at least now he can get up a little later in the morning, because he has something to wear.
Maybe the girls are rubbing off on him.
I alluded in a different post to a change in MBB's appearance. A change that necessitated the purchase of some new clothing, even though he really didn't want to buy anything. A well dressed man like him NEEDS to buy clothing when he looks like a hobo with his cinched pants, the only accoutrement missing a rope belt. No, not a braided belt, a ROPE belt.
Over the years I have learned that no matter how careful and particular I am about an article of clothing I purchase for him, I am just not particular enough. Did I notice that the polo has open sleeves, no I did not. Did it register that he doesn't like textured dress shirts, did I notice what type of collar or stitching, no, no I did not. Thus it was requested of me that I please not buy him clothing.
Ever.
So I didn't. For years and years.
However, I've been doing a lot of boy shopping lately, (my friend is not pleased with my choices, preferring I dress my 4 1/2 month old like a baby. Pffft. I love his newsboy cap and I bought him a tie today...though the latter may just be in my DNA), and MBB has become very easy to shop for. He's still particular, but he can wear anything, and now he has someone who can match him! How fun is that.
As much as I really respect his wishes, most of the time, I just could not resist. He probably would have done a better job, but at least now he can get up a little later in the morning, because he has something to wear.
Maybe the girls are rubbing off on him.
Monday, October 18, 2010
No Computer, No Problem
Even though our computer is eight years old (and just went in for a major cleanup) and all of the software on that computer is that ancient (in computer terms, of course) or older (is that even possible? Yes. Yes it is), I have nonetheless joined the technological age.
I am posting this on my new kindle, the new kindle that MBB got me as yom tov gift. You all remember MBB, right? He looks a little different these days, but he's still his non blogging self. I really like the kindle, though I don't usually buy books, I'm more of the library type. Luckily, there are magazine subscriptions, some free word games, and free classiics. Not to mention free 3G wireless, and thus my current posting.
MBB suggested that perhaps I should rate the gifts from the past. They're mostly all good, except one. Man was that a doozy. I dont mean that to sound ungrateful. You know that moment when you open a gift and it is just so off the charts anything you either want/need /expect that you just think: "Really? C'mon, Really?" I'll be happy to generalize and say that most women are not interested in a gift......hmmm, how should i put this? That really just makes a put upon husband's life easier. Essentially this gift was to take the place of something that he was doing for me, up until which time I didn't even realize how much he hated! Why would I want a MINI FRIDGE in my bedroom? Decor? Hello? Why would I need a MINI FRIDGE for my room, when I had a super nice husband who went to get me diet coke? Appparently, he was unhappyw ith this arraangement. Who knew? Well, he did, but chose not to share this tidbit.
Needless to say I did not keep this gift. I exchanged it for lovely solar outside lights (they stopped working a few years ago and i sold them to an electrician who wanted them), and stopped asking MBB for liquid refreshment.. So I guess it was win-win.
If the worst gift you have ever given someone ends up making both people happy-you're a pretty good gift giver. Now if I could just get him to blog a little.........
I am posting this on my new kindle, the new kindle that MBB got me as yom tov gift. You all remember MBB, right? He looks a little different these days, but he's still his non blogging self. I really like the kindle, though I don't usually buy books, I'm more of the library type. Luckily, there are magazine subscriptions, some free word games, and free classiics. Not to mention free 3G wireless, and thus my current posting.
MBB suggested that perhaps I should rate the gifts from the past. They're mostly all good, except one. Man was that a doozy. I dont mean that to sound ungrateful. You know that moment when you open a gift and it is just so off the charts anything you either want/need /expect that you just think: "Really? C'mon, Really?" I'll be happy to generalize and say that most women are not interested in a gift......hmmm, how should i put this? That really just makes a put upon husband's life easier. Essentially this gift was to take the place of something that he was doing for me, up until which time I didn't even realize how much he hated! Why would I want a MINI FRIDGE in my bedroom? Decor? Hello? Why would I need a MINI FRIDGE for my room, when I had a super nice husband who went to get me diet coke? Appparently, he was unhappyw ith this arraangement. Who knew? Well, he did, but chose not to share this tidbit.
Needless to say I did not keep this gift. I exchanged it for lovely solar outside lights (they stopped working a few years ago and i sold them to an electrician who wanted them), and stopped asking MBB for liquid refreshment.. So I guess it was win-win.
If the worst gift you have ever given someone ends up making both people happy-you're a pretty good gift giver. Now if I could just get him to blog a little.........
Sunday, October 3, 2010
What Happened to Sharing?
I was speaking to a Yeshiva guy recently about his meals. Really more about the lack of decent options, and what he planned to do about it. Obviously contraband items were a definite, as in most yeshivas, and he would need to cook some of his own meals to fill in the gaps left bare by those charged with filling the gastronomic needs of these young men, who need to achieve their spiritual goals with the requisite energy and fervor.
One of items he intends to use is a crockpot, with goulash and chulent his meals of choice. The pot is actually fairly medium sized, and I asked him what he intended to do with the leftovers. His plan was to eat his fill, and then sell the rest.
Hmmm. I understand a guy who decides, "I will make enough chulent and goulash for everyone, and sell it to them, if they want it." But I don't understand how it gets to the point, where it is not thought of as a business, per se, but a way to recoup the costs of the food that you ate, and make a little money on the side if it comes up when there's a little left. So, your buddy comes into your room hungry, and you have a portion left, and you SELL it to him?
Imagine if this happened in grade school. How often do kids have enough of their snack, and are willing to give it away? Should they be encouraged to sell that half empty bag of chips? Have the words "Up for grabs," lost all of their meaning?
I can understand not wanting to be taken advantage of. I get not wanting to be the one who consistently pays for all the food, and then ends up the provider for all. So why not split the costs with a few guys, and then eat it together when it's ready.
I know that the system that's in place for many of these men is one in which they need to learn all the angles and find ways to make some money to support themselves, but everyone is in the same boat. So going back to the grade school example, why not trade? Give the leftovers to the guy who gives haircuts, the guy who charges to use his treadmill, the guy who rebinds seforim. Everyone wants an angle, and they're finding it...at each other's expense.
One of items he intends to use is a crockpot, with goulash and chulent his meals of choice. The pot is actually fairly medium sized, and I asked him what he intended to do with the leftovers. His plan was to eat his fill, and then sell the rest.
Hmmm. I understand a guy who decides, "I will make enough chulent and goulash for everyone, and sell it to them, if they want it." But I don't understand how it gets to the point, where it is not thought of as a business, per se, but a way to recoup the costs of the food that you ate, and make a little money on the side if it comes up when there's a little left. So, your buddy comes into your room hungry, and you have a portion left, and you SELL it to him?
Imagine if this happened in grade school. How often do kids have enough of their snack, and are willing to give it away? Should they be encouraged to sell that half empty bag of chips? Have the words "Up for grabs," lost all of their meaning?
I can understand not wanting to be taken advantage of. I get not wanting to be the one who consistently pays for all the food, and then ends up the provider for all. So why not split the costs with a few guys, and then eat it together when it's ready.
I know that the system that's in place for many of these men is one in which they need to learn all the angles and find ways to make some money to support themselves, but everyone is in the same boat. So going back to the grade school example, why not trade? Give the leftovers to the guy who gives haircuts, the guy who charges to use his treadmill, the guy who rebinds seforim. Everyone wants an angle, and they're finding it...at each other's expense.
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