The Washers

For the past few weeks my old washing machine had been acting up. It stopped spinning in the middle of a rinse and water leaked coming from its tank. And for the past few weeks I tried to be a handyman finding possible causes of spin cycle to sudden stop and water leaks. With no avail, I’m not really a guy who can fix any appliances, so I called my brother and asked him to take a look on my old washer. Because he lives in New Jersey and wants to avoid driving to New York for an hour and half (also possibly gets stuck in the city traffic), the first thing he asked me on the phone was "How old is your washing machine?" I told him it was about 10 years old. I started working at 34th Street and 5th Avenue in 1997 and I had that washer already so that would be more than 10 years old. He laughed and said that I should buy a new one.

On Monday I searched online and printed some information about washers to find what would be the best for me; its performance, price, spin cycles etc. On that day I got off from work an hour early and headed to the appliance store in Rego Park, Queens. On the same day I bought a new one and requested to deliver it on a weekend, preferably Saturday, and haul away the disconnected old washer. I also informed the salesperson that I didn’t have proper tools to disconnect the old and install the new so I needed someone to do it for me. The salesperson added instructions noting my requests on my receipt.

The delivery was on time. They arrived around 9 a.m. But there was a problem because I was told that they only deliver the new one and take away the old. They were not allowed to disconnect and install washers. I was told that they were cautious about plumbing and ducked out the blame for if anything happened. To me that was a big BS. I didn't offer to pay them because it said on the reciept "free installation". I refused to sign the delivery form but they would take back the new one. And the next time I will be charged for the delivery. Anyway I compromised but disappointed. They left me with the new one uninstalled and the old washer. When the old washer will be disconnected, they said to call the store to reschedule for pick up. Frustrated and upset, I called my brother to help me disconnect and install the washers.

I learned my lesson and not to go back to P.C. Richard and Son. I should have initially listened to my brother to order from Home Depot or Sears; these two companies are more reliable and with a high customer satisfaction rate. Now my old washer is lying around in my living room and is waiting for next week pick up.

My Own Dilemma

To work or not to work from home.

I sit in my cubicle and hammer my computer keyboard all day, why can’t I do this in the comfort of my home? If I work remotely, I can be spared a hefty overpriced cafeteria lunches. I’ll be able to stay away from co-workers who are constantly stopping by to interrupt my workflow or otherwise just to chit-chat that slows my progress. I can avoid the shoving and pushing in the subway trains during the rush hours. I can even give my nose a break for that strong smell of a perfume and body odors.

But then again, it is convenient to have a cubicle neighbor pop over for help to solve a quick problem than try to call in for help. I also think that a necessary and productive meeting is usually best served in the office.

There's no reason why I cannot work from home once or twice a week.

Ex-roommate or maybe not...

I have to admit when Frank came over this afternoon to pick up his stuff and moved out officially, I felt the whole apartment was empty. He was my first roommate ever, except for my two younger brothers when they were both attending college in Manhattan, I didn’t realize that he and I would get along well.

Here are a few things that I will miss about Frank, on a positive note:

1) leaving his toothbrush or mouthguard in the shower
2) leaving the bathroom floor wet after taking a shower
3) coming home at 2 a.m. from his externship and trying his best to be super quiet
4) struggling with the toilet’s flapper; though he replaced and fixed it before he left
5) having Sunday brunch in La Flor and being seated in the same spot
6) hearing his alarm clock from his cell phone on Saturday and Sunday mornings
7) waiting for him to come home in the wee hours of Saturdays or Sundays to make snacks

Nonetheless, Frank is always welcome to crash in.

Passion for Food

One of the reasons why I love living in New York is because of my passion for food. I always enjoy dining out with my family and friends. The Restaurant Week starts off this month and many restaurants participate in this mouth-watering event, but sometimes it may be difficult to know which choices are best. Because the value of a Restaurant Week meal varies significantly from place to place, perhaps these links will provide you where you can enjoy a great meal, deal as well as service.
Restaurant Week
Open Table

Friends and Roommate

I’ve no regrets in choosing to stay home and spend a quality time with my niece, Khristina, and her boyfriend, Frank on the 4th of July weekend instead of going to Fire Island with my friends and watch another meaningless gay pageant. I had a wonderful weekend with Khristina and Frank but the best time was when we watched a movie “Vantage Point” on DVD together. It was our first movie night since Frank moved in. I hope it won’t be the last.

When Frank moved into my apartment this March so he can be closer to his externship in Café Boulud, I had mixed feelings about it because I never had a roommate. I know there are things that I could not probably do when he’s around such as walking around my underwear (sometimes naked) or leaving the bathroom door while taking a shower (or pooping). Then I thought it was only for four months maybe I could handle it so I said yes. Besides I’ve also wanted to get know more about Khristina. She and I have little chance to talk or see each other; only when there’s a family-get-together in NJ. If Frank would stay with me, Khristina would be coming more often to NY on weekends to be with him. It is a perfect arrangement.

This month, Frank, as initially planned, is moving out. But I told him if he needs a place to crash in I could always use a roommate. It is a great feeling that I have a roommate whom I can be comfortable with and most importantly bond with my niece.

Khristina and Frank will be away for a long three weeks vacation and adventures in Mexico. I will absolutely miss them around; my new friends.