The Big Think

Went to Outback Steakhouse tonight to celebrate our 7th anniversary. Got off to a slightly rough start with service (crossed wires among the waiters ended up with us forgotten and in limbo). The manager was superb, though, and comped Erin’s margarita and my Amstel. Food was great and, thanks to a thank-you gift certificate from a Sing group, the dinner and tip only cost us $2. Too bad we can’t do that more often!

I’ve been living with an el-cheapo $7 Home Depot combination square for a few years. Frustrating to adjust and inaccurate, the blade doesn’t sit at 90 degrees to the body and all the metal parts rusted out a year ago, even though it’s only 2 years old. (I ignored the “don’t buy cheap tools” rule again). Well, Erin got me the Cadillac of combination squares for our anniversary. The Starrett Combination Square isn’t cheap, but when you compare it to having to purchase a new $7 square every two years for the rest of my life, coupled with the fact that it’s perfectly square out of the box and built like a tank, this hand tool is worth it. Plenty of stories tell of 80 year old squares that are passed down through the generations that are still 100% perfect.
Soooo nice to have quality tools. I’d say I’ve gotten spoiled by buying (more expensive) quality tools, but that wouldn’t be true. I finally just got smart.

I still think it’s a late April Fools joke. link

You know it’s time for a new pair of shoes when your back hurts after an hour on your feet. I decided to kick my back pain’s butt by buying a nice pair of Salomon Solaris Low hiking shoes. At $75, they’re a bit more than I want to pay for footwear, but as I only replace my shoes every 3 years or so (much to my aging back’s dismay), they’re worth it. Very comfy. My feet, back, and knees don’t hurt any more!
I think I’ll follow the Whole Earth Provision Company’s suggestion and get a pair of good insoles.
Ahhh….

Today is our 7th anniversary!

Had a migraine attack last night. Fortunately, the auras and blind spots came on right as I was getting ready for bed, so I slept through the worst of it (except for a miserable hour in the middle of the night). Instead of feeling rested after 8 hours of sleep, today I feel like I was pummeled by a wet noodle all night. gah.