^say it like Basil Fawlty for maximum humor value ( Read more... )

Just after I moved to Portland I needlessly purchased a gorgeous red microwave solely for its pulchritude (being as I already had a functioning microwave). I wanted something pretty and shiny for my new life, and by gum I got it! But much to my dismay, the 'touchpad' began disintegrating after only ~6 mos, bubbling and bending and indenting every ( Read more... )

So I started the day off on the wrong foot right off the bat by improperly assembling the long-handled window cleaner ( Read more... )

Wow, I just had such an ugly encounter, made even uglier by its complete blindsiding unexpectedness ( Read more... )

Oh, the joys of Old-Timer's disease ( Read more... )

My latest group bike ride was so! much! fun!--in the abstract; not so much in reality. This was part of PedalPalooza, our annual 2-week celebration of bikes (>200 rides in 2 weeks! http://www.shift2bikes.org/cal/viewpp2011.php). So it wasn't my usual architectural ( Read more... )

I had a total meltdown at Hal Jones Automotive on Friday ( Read more... )

When did it become illegal to pull to the curb? Suddenly everyone is stopping in the middle of the freakin road to check their GPS, chit-chat with passers-by, ponder the infinite mysteries of the universe--even when there's plenty of space at the curb, wide open for parking ( Read more... )

Saturday night turned out way more exciting than anticipated. A friend invited some of us over for a quiet, low-key evening of potluck, board games, and enjoying her new home--the landlord room-mate was out of town and the other room-mate was ensconced in his bedroom, perfect for a small gathering of friends ( Read more... )

Sunday's bike injuries seemed minor and insignificant yesterday but suddenly overnight became Very Serious Indeed. Downing fistfuls of Advil to no avail. Feeding the cats with a long-handled ladle. Looking forward to the day when every other utterance is not "ow! my &5*$#ing back hurts ( Read more... )