Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Hello DIY

Last week was a milestone for the Handy Dan in me:

1. I cut the husband's hair for the first time (first time EVER cutting anyone's hair- YouTube FTW).
2. Our washer stopped working mid-cycle and I was able figure out the issue by reading some forums, bought the part online, and installed it myself (heavy lifting credits due to the hubby).

So proud of myself! PAT ON BACK.

1. Haircutting
So we started to discuss the idea of me cutting his hair over chat and I sensed some hesitation on his part.... 

me: lol
  they are closed today right (his haircut place is closed on Mondays)
  ?
 Richard: yeah
  man
  im wondering if i should just let u trim it
  lol
 me: i was just about to suggest
  i can watch some youtube videos
2:19 PM lol
2:20 PM Richard: oh boy
 me: hey man
 Richard: the fading part
 me: yeah
 Richard: is hard
 me: i'll be careful
 Richard: are u serious
 me: yeah dude
  save us some money
  lol
 Richard: even the fading
 me: yea man
 Richard: i wonder if theres a haircutting lessons place
 me: i can try
2:21 PM if not
 Richard: u wanna stare at eric doing it (Eric is guy who cuts his hair)
 me: i can do it by hand
 Richard: thats hard too
 me: yeah
  but i'm a perfectionist
 Richard: uh, u wanna watch me get my next haircut 
  first (SECOND TIME he mentions this...)
 me: y u so scuurd?

Well apparently he has some traumatic experiences with non-professional haircuts, one involving a bald spot on his own head, and another where a friend had to go completely bald because Richard eff-ed up his hair so bad HAHAHA (not his fault, the friend was convinced and begged Richard to cut his hair "because he is Asian- and all Asians can cut hair"- well he sure proved him wrong haha- poor guy). We agreed that I should try to cut his hair, and if I could do it well, then it could be game changing. Richard needs a haircut every 2 weeks on the dot and it's not cheap (we calculated it out to about $600/year). His head is like a chia-pet, I swear. Plus, my mom has been cutting my dad's hair for the past 32 years, and it saves time and money. I figure if she's able to do it, then I'm up for the challenge. Here's a true testament of our love:

Richard: so if its terrible
2:34 PM do i lie and say its great
So I watched a few videos (by the way, there are some really terrible DIY haircut video tutorials out there) and the next night, went for it. In all, it took about 30-35 minutes, and another 5 minutes to clean up. For my first time ever using clippers or cutting anyone's hair, it pleasantly turned out very well! I went a TEENSY bit short on one side but eventually blended everything in pretty evenly (can't tell unless you stare at it from the back, I promise) and I didn't really give him any shape/style on the top of his head. We bought better scissors (thank goodness because the scissors I was using were a piece of shit- pretty much equivalent to Pre-K safety scissors), a new apron/bib dealy, and some thinning shears to make blending his fade easier. I am looking forward to getting better and having bi-weekly bonding time with my hubby. 


2. Fixing the washer
Well unfortunately, there is less of a story to this fixer upper. Basically I found out the lid switch (the switch that 'clicks' when you close the lid of your washer (we don't have fancy dancy energy efficient front loaders) which is a sensor/safety feature that won't allow the washer to spin or drain water unless the lid is closed) was broken, and is apparently a common occurrence after many uses and many accidental slams of the lid (guilty). I bought the part on Amazon for $6 plus rush shipping for a grand total of $12 (versus Sears Repair Center and other Parts stores locally and online, who were charging $35-40). We had to take the machine apart, uninstall, reinstall and put the machine back. 20 minutes, and $12 later, we have a working washer again! #winning

Monday, May 7, 2012

Hooka shoes

If you've been shoe shopping, I'm sure you've noticed the platform trend emerge. Well, I'm pretty short, so I can definitely appreciate a good platform, but lately I've noticed them going a LIL bit too far....

Presenting, (as I'd like to say) HOOKA SHOES.


Seriously, platforms keep getting higher and higher and bitches be walking around like they are giraffes- 2 steps away from falling on their faces. The shoes may be somewhat appropriate in certain situations (rounding out that hoochie-mama outfit waiting in line outside a club, if you're working the streets, or if you're a stripper), but definitely not appropriate at work. I see girls wearing this at work, and I SMDH at you.

So naturally, I purchased a pair of platform shoes at DSW recently, but... tasteful. They are pretty fabulous I must say, and the price could not be beat. Still scrounging up the courage/occasion to wear these bad boys, as I've started to become very accustomed to wearing flats everyday....



Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Mahjong Grandmas

Last week I saw my Grandma at my Mom and Aunt's birthday celebration. She told us that she played with Richard's grandma the previous day and was so exhausted today (they are long time mahjong buddies). When I asked how long they played, she exclaimed, "We played from 10am to 10pm and ate 2 meals in between!" They usually bring their own little bien dang (lunch boxes) and when it's time to eat, they take a small break and heat up their food. Amazing that these 85/90+ year old little ladies can gamble for 12 hours straight. Straight up Gangster. :)

Richard's grandma on the left, and my grandma on the right
Christmas 2011 at my parents' house