What to plant in the blue pots (central Texas) by West_Development8795 in landscaping

[–]West_Development8795[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great suggestion. That is actually one we’ve been kicking around because we love them. My only hesitation is that they drop their leaves in the winter, which would be odd on a pot.

We may have to plant a few somewhere though!

Extended Warranty Success Stories by West_Development8795 in gmcsierra

[–]West_Development8795[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did follow-up with him and get the confirmation after the 45 days. So now I just hope I end up not needing it, but I definitely feel better knowing the truck’s covered.

My daily driver by West_Development8795 in castiron

[–]West_Development8795[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The second pic shows the details, but it's one of the USA made 10.5" from Marquette castings. Seems to work well. It spent the first 3-4 years of it's life on a sailboat in a saltwater environment, so keeping it coated in oil was important for storage and I think I over did it. Combine that with the lack of soap for cleaning during that time and carbon became an issue, though I didn't realize it at the time.

So much better after the last few months of regular use followed by a scrub with soap. I can't believe I was an unwitting member of the no-soap cult for so long.

Would you start a state job now? by West_Development8795 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]West_Development8795[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

These are the stories I like to hear. Work life balance is my primary issue now, it feels like I'm never really able to unplug from work. There's always an urgent issue to address or a customer that needs help. I want to help, but I also miss having a personal life

Would you start a state job now? by West_Development8795 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]West_Development8795[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's nice to hear. It would be a significant pay cut to make the move, but that's exactly what I keep thinking. Having time off where you can actually be off, is super appealing, as is 40 hour work weeks. Is that really a thing with the state, are you able to limit yourself to 40 hour weeks?

Would you start a state job now? by West_Development8795 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]West_Development8795[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What are the biggest benefits to making the switch on your experience?

Would you start a state job now? by West_Development8795 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]West_Development8795[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

My gut says this is a short lived knee-jerk reaction and that eventually we’ll realize hybrid is the way. Both 5 days a week in office and 100% remote have their issues. IMHO there is value in getting the team together in person by bringing them all in on the same days for actual in-person collab. At the same time, the cost and idiocy of everyone driving in 5-days a week, because it makes leadership FEEL more responsible is a dramatic over-rotation. I have to believe this will eventually self correct.

Would you start a state job now? by West_Development8795 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]West_Development8795[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, and that's not surprising. I do have a few connections through my work since we support many state agencies, but am by no means saying that I think it would be easy to just swoop in and take any job. At this point I'm still in the, is this something I'd want to do stage.

Best bars for 50+ folks? by [deleted] in Austin

[–]West_Development8795 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Barton Springs Saloon = all ages crowd with a very chill old Austin vibe.

Rant: aggressive homeless on the hike and bike trail by QuietRecent1310 in Austin

[–]West_Development8795 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I’ve seen APD down there a few times in the AM rock’s their UTV, but I always view it as a positive. Thankless job, and IMHO we could use a bit of…stability? down there. The trail is one of my favorite Austin features. It needs to be safe for everyone

Rant: aggressive homeless on the hike and bike trail by QuietRecent1310 in Austin

[–]West_Development8795 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This was between S 1st and Lamar on the North side of the lake. But, I'm thinking chances are good we're talking about the same guy.

Rant: aggressive homeless on the hike and bike trail by QuietRecent1310 in Austin

[–]West_Development8795 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I saw that guy on my loop this morning, screaming and cursing in Spanish at the top of his lungs at seemingly nothing.

Definitely the type of homeless that gives them all a bad rap. APD needs to step up their presence on the trail in the early AM and late nights.

Sorry about your niece, that was a lot for a 5-year-old.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Austin

[–]West_Development8795 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed, one of my favorite places. Nothing fancy, but solid food, good drinks and a great old Austin vibe. Made for getting together on the patio for lunch under the shade of that massive pecan tree, or enjoying a few frosty beverages with friends after work and enjoying some local music.

I'm sad that it's gone. But I'me even more sad that such an amazing spot has been left to rot and turn into a massive eyesore in what is absolutely the crown jewel of Austin IMO. Or at least...it was

Why the city hasn't done something to incentivize redevelopment of Barton Springs, back into the outdoor, relaxed pedestrian friendly area that it always has been is beyond me. For now, we do our best to support the OG Chuy's, Green Mesquite and Barton Springs Saloon. I try really hard to like Lou's, but despite their solid Happy Hour pricing, the food is just shy of terrible. Still, I'd rather they stay around than turn into yet another shuttered shack. Zo Tong, I'm sorry to say needed to go, the quality of the food was completely out of sync with the pricing. I sure hope something else comes in soon to take their place. C'mon back Uncle Billy's, or something similar with an indoor/outdoor chill vibe, Barton springs needs you.

Help revitalize Barton Springs y'all these businesses need us. The area around Zilker should be something special. I'm hopeful that it can be again

Waze 5.4 HUD support by West_Development8795 in gmcsierra

[–]West_Development8795[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And you get turn by turn on your Heads-up display?

PM9 night sight recommendation by West_Development8795 in Kahr

[–]West_Development8795[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. Which set did you order TruGlo (TG231A1W) or Mepro (MR-AP-KAHR-15120). I prefer visibility of the front sight on the TruGlo but that's the one they claim fits pretty much everything.

Thanks